Istanbul is one of the world’s great cities — and one of its most seismically vulnerable. The city sits near the North Anatolian Fault, one of the most active fault lines on earth. A major earthquake in Istanbul is not a question of if, but when, according to seismologists.
For property owners in Istanbul, DASK earthquake insurance is not just a legal formality — it’s genuine financial protection.
Istanbul’s earthquake risk: the basics
The 1999 Marmara earthquake (7.6 magnitude) killed over 17,000 people and caused catastrophic property damage in areas west of Istanbul. Most seismologists believe a major earthquake directly affecting Istanbul is overdue.
Key facts:
- Istanbul sits approximately 15–20km from the Main Marmara Fault
- Scientists estimate a >60% probability of a 7.0+ magnitude earthquake affecting Istanbul within the next 30 years
- Many Istanbul buildings predate modern earthquake-resistant construction codes
- Poorly constructed buildings and informal settlements face much higher risk
What does DASK cover if Istanbul has a major earthquake?
DASK provides compensation for structural damage caused by earthquake, up to the insured sum of your policy. This includes:
- Damage or collapse of load-bearing walls and columns
- Roof structural damage
- Foundation damage caused directly by earthquake
- Fire or explosion occurring as a direct result of the earthquake
DASK does NOT cover:
- Contents and furniture
- Non-structural cosmetic damage
- Loss of rent while uninhabitable
- Temporary accommodation costs
- Pre-existing structural defects
How is the DASK payout calculated?
Your DASK policy insures your property up to a maximum insured value set at the time of issuance. This is calculated based on:
- Floor area (m²)
- Construction type
- Building standard rate (set by government, updated annually)
It’s important that your policy correctly reflects your property’s floor area. If the insured area is underestimated, your payout will be proportionally reduced.
What’s the maximum DASK payout?
DASK has a maximum payout cap set by regulation. As of 2026, the maximum per-property payout is approximately ₺640,000. For high-value properties, this may not cover full reconstruction costs — in which case supplementary earthquake cover within a home insurance policy is worth considering.
DASK + home insurance for Istanbul properties
For comprehensive earthquake protection in Istanbul, we recommend:
- DASK (compulsory) — covers structural earthquake damage up to the regulatory limit
- Home insurance with earthquake extension — covers contents, liability, and may top up structural cover beyond DASK limits
Get DASK for your Istanbul property →
Our team can arrange both policies together and issue them the same day.
