Is DASK Mandatory? Coverage, Price and How It Differs from Home Insurance

DASK is the Compulsory Earthquake Insurance provided by Turkey's Natural Disaster Insurance Institution. It is legally required for homes in Turkey, but its scope is narrower than many assume. This article explains who must have it, what it does and does not cover, and why it is not enough on its own for most homes.

Who must have DASK?

DASK is mandatory for registered residences within municipal boundaries. A DASK policy is requested for electricity and water subscriptions, title-deed transactions and mortgages. So if you own a home, you most likely need DASK.

What does DASK cover?

DASK only covers earthquake and earthquake-related damage (fire, explosion, tsunami, landslide) to the structural part of the building, up to a maximum coverage set by the state.

• Load-bearing structure: walls, foundations, columns, ceilings and floors
• Post-earthquake fire, explosion, tsunami, landslide
• Limited to the state-defined maximum coverage

What does DASK NOT cover?

Here's the critical point: DASK does not cover your belongings, electronics, furniture or non-earthquake risks (theft, flooding, fire, glass breakage). Also, the maximum coverage may fall below your home's actual value.

So how does it differ from home insurance?

Home insurance is optional and fills the gaps DASK leaves: contents, theft, fire, flooding, glass, even third-party liability. The healthiest protection is the DASK + home insurance pair — DASK covers the structure at the mandatory minimum, while home insurance broadly protects the home and its contents.

In earthquake-prone areas like Seferihisar and Sığacık this pairing matters even more. We can compare and present the DASK and home insurance combination that suits you from 30+ insurers.