Compulsory earthquake insurance in Turkey, commonly called DASK, is a legal requirement for residential properties and is regulated under Law No. 6305 on Disaster Insurance. [1]
What DASK is and when it is mandatory
DASK refers to the compulsory earthquake insurance policy that covers physical damage to insured residential buildings caused by earthquakes and by related perils such as fire, explosion, tsunami and landslide triggered by an earthquake. It is administered by the Turkish Catastrophe Insurance Pool, Doğal Afet Sigortaları Kurumu (DASK). The obligation applies to residential buildings that fall within the scope defined by Law No. 6305 and the General Conditions of Compulsory Earthquake Insurance. This framework also sets the scope of covered risks, the insured subject, and the procedural rules for issuing and renewing policies. [1][2][5]
Legal basis and enforcement in practice
The legal basis is Article provisions of Law No. 6305 (Afet Sigortaları Kanunu), which establishes compulsory earthquake insurance and the Turkish Catastrophe Insurance Pool. The law empowers the preparation of general conditions, tariffs and instructions, and mandates participation for eligible residential buildings. In practice, enforcement occurs through administrative processes: land registry offices and public utilities require proof of a valid DASK policy to proceed with certain transactions. DASK’s official guidance states that the insurance is compulsory for eligible residences and is required for transactions such as title deed procedures and utility subscriptions. The General Conditions further define which buildings are in scope and the obligations of policyholders. [1][2][4][5]
What properties are in scope
Compulsory earthquake insurance applies to residential buildings and independent residential units that meet the criteria set in the law and the General Conditions. The insured interest is the building itself, including main structural elements and integral parts as defined in the policy wording. Non-residential premises are outside the primary scope unless they are parts of mixed-use buildings where only the residential independent sections are insured under DASK. Common areas of apartment buildings are addressed in line with the General Conditions and the condominium structure. Properties that do not meet the legal definition or are explicitly excluded in the General Conditions are not within the compulsory scope. Buyers should confirm the classification of the unit in the title deed (tapu) and with the policy wording before concluding a transaction. [1][2][5]
Coverage, exclusions, and claim principles
The standard DASK policy covers direct physical damage to the insured building caused by earthquakes and by fire, explosion, tsunami, or landslide resulting from an earthquake. Typical exclusions include non-structural movable contents, loss of rent or business interruption, and indirect financial losses. Claims are indemnified based on the policy’s sum insured, construction type, and the actual damage assessed after an event, following the General Conditions and claims procedures published by DASK. The DASK policy is not a substitute for broader home insurance; separate voluntary policies are needed to cover household contents and additional perils beyond the DASK scope. [2][3][5]
Premiums, sums insured, and renewal cycle
Premiums and the maximum sum insured are determined by tariff rules that reflect seismic risk zoning, construction class, total gross area, and building age. The tariff and technical instructions are issued under the authority created by Law No. 6305 and are reflected in DASK’s premium calculation guidance. Policies are annual and require renewal to maintain continuous compliance and protection. The calculation method and policy term are outlined in DASK’s public guidance and the General Conditions, and the tariff parameters are periodically updated by the competent insurance regulator. Property owners should obtain the current tariff and limit parameters at the time of purchase or renewal. [1][2][4][5]
Transactions that trigger the requirement
A valid DASK policy is required to complete a range of administrative and property-related procedures for eligible residences. DASK’s official information states that the policy is needed for title deed transactions, including ownership transfers and certain registry updates, as well as for initiating or changing subscriptions for utilities such as electricity, water, and natural gas in eligible areas. The requirement functions as a compliance checkpoint, ensuring that residential properties maintain compulsory disaster coverage as intended by the law. Buyers who plan a transfer of title or a new utility subscription should ensure the policy is in place before booking appointments, because missing documentation may delay or prevent completion of these services. [2][4]
How to buy and documents you will need
DASK policies are purchased through licensed insurance companies, their agencies, and distribution channels such as banks that issue policies on behalf of the Turkish Catastrophe Insurance Pool. To issue a policy efficiently, owners typically need the property’s address code used in Turkey’s National Address Database, title deed details for the independent section, identification information of the policyholder, the gross floor area of the unit, the construction type, and the building age. DASK’s official channels and the General Conditions specify the data elements and the policy issuance process. Prompt and accurate data entry ensures the policy matches the title deed, which is important for both compliance and claims processing. [2][4][5]
Practical points for foreign buyers
Foreign buyers should verify that the policyholder’s name, Turkish address code, and title deed information match exactly across documents, because administrative systems use these identifiers to validate compliance. Where a building is managed by a professional site management company, owners should confirm whether common area insurance is separate from unit-level DASK policies, since DASK applies to each independent residential unit rather than to personal contents. Buyers using mortgage finance should also check lender requirements, because lenders may request evidence of an active DASK policy before loan disbursement and at renewal. For financial decisions about insurance scope beyond the compulsory policy, consult a licensed insurance professional, as this information is general and individual needs vary. [2][3][4][5]
Summary
DASK is Turkey’s compulsory earthquake insurance for eligible residential properties, established under Law No. 6305 and implemented by the Turkish Catastrophe Insurance Pool. It provides defined coverage for earthquake and related perils to the building itself, is priced under regulated tariff rules, and is typically required to complete title deed and utility transactions for residences. Buyers and owners should align their policy details with their title documents, renew annually, and consider separate voluntary policies for contents or broader risks where necessary. [1][2][5]
Related Questions:
– Q# How do I renew and update my DASK policy after buying a property?
– Q# What does DASK cover versus optional home insurance in Turkey?
– Q# Which property transactions in Turkey require proof of DASK?
– Q# How are DASK premiums calculated by building type and location?
References:
[1] Official Gazette (Resmi Gazete). “Law No. 6305 on Disaster Insurance (Afet Sigortaları Kanunu).” https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2012/05/20120518-1.htm
[2] Doğal Afet Sigortaları Kurumu (DASK). “Compulsory Earthquake Insurance.” https://www.dask.gov.tr/en/compulsory-earthquake-insurance
[3] Doğal Afet Sigortaları Kurumu (DASK). “Coverage and Exclusions.” https://www.dask.gov.tr/en/coverage
[4] Doğal Afet Sigortaları Kurumu (DASK). “Frequently Asked Questions.” https://www.dask.gov.tr/en/faq
[5] Doğal Afet Sigortaları Kurumu (DASK). “General Conditions of Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (ZDS Genel Şartları).” https://www.dask.gov.tr/Content/Upload/Editor/files/ZDS%20Genel%20Sartlari.pdf
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Property law and tax rules in Turkey change frequently. Consult a licensed Turkish lawyer, accountant, or real estate professional before making any purchasing decision.