If you own property in Turkey, DASK is not optional. It’s required by law for all registered residential properties — and without it, you can’t sell, buy, or even keep your electricity connected.
What is DASK?
DASK stands for Doğal Afet Sigortaları Kurumu — the Natural Disaster Insurance Institution. It is a government-mandated compulsory insurance scheme that covers structural damage to residential properties caused by earthquakes.
DASK was created after the devastating 1999 Marmara earthquake, which caused tens of thousands of deaths and billions in uninsured property losses. It’s now required for every residential property registered in Turkey.
What does DASK cover?
DASK covers structural damage caused by earthquake, including damage from:
- The earthquake itself (ground shaking, cracking)
- Fire or explosion occurring directly as a result of an earthquake
- Landslide or subsidence caused by earthquake activity
- Tsunami damage in coastal areas
DASK does NOT cover:
- Damage from non-earthquake causes (fire, flood, storm)
- Contents or furniture
- Loss of rent
- Alternative accommodation
For broader cover, you should add a home insurance policy (konut sigortası) to your DASK policy.
Who needs DASK?
Every owner of a registered residential property in Turkey is legally required to hold DASK. This includes:
- Turkish citizens and permanent residents
- Foreign nationals who own property in Turkey
- Landlords (for rental properties)
- Holiday home owners
It applies regardless of how long you spend in Turkey or whether you rent the property out.
What happens without DASK?
Without a valid DASK policy:
- You cannot transfer your electricity or water subscription
- You cannot complete a property sale or purchase
- You cannot take out a mortgage on the property
- In the event of an earthquake, you receive no compensation
How is the DASK premium calculated?
DASK premiums are set by the government and based on:
- Property floor area (square metres)
- Construction type (reinforced concrete, masonry, prefabricated)
- Earthquake risk zone (Turkey has 5 zones; Istanbul and coastal Aegean are highest risk)
As a guide, premiums for a typical 100m² apartment range from around ₺500 to ₺3,000 per year depending on location and construction.
How do I get a DASK policy as a foreign owner?
You need either:
- Your DASK number (DASK numarası), which is on any previous DASK policy, or
- Your title deed (tapu) details
We can issue your DASK policy in English, handle all the paperwork, and have it delivered electronically — usually the same day.
Does DASK cover foreign-owned properties?
Yes. DASK applies to all residential properties registered in Turkey regardless of the owner’s nationality. We arrange DASK for foreign owners across Turkey every day.
DASK vs home insurance: what’s the difference?
| DASK | Home Insurance | |
|---|---|---|
| Required by law | Yes | No |
| Covers earthquake damage | Yes | Often excluded |
| Covers fire, storm, flood | No | Yes |
| Covers contents | No | Yes |
| Covers liability | No | Yes |
You need both for complete protection of your Turkish property.
Get DASK sorted today
Provide your property details and we’ll issue your DASK policy — usually same-day.
