Many expats in Turkey think that having traffic insurance (trafik sigortası) is enough. It’s not — traffic insurance only covers damage you cause to others. If your car is damaged, stolen or written off, you’re on your own without kasko.
What is kasko?
Kasko (from the Italian “casco,” meaning hull or shell) is comprehensive car insurance for Turkish-registered vehicles. It covers damage to your own vehicle in addition to third-party liability.
In Turkey, kasko comes in two main types:
Tam kasko (full kasko) Full comprehensive cover including:
- Collision damage (your fault or not)
- Theft and attempted theft
- Fire and explosion
- Natural disaster (flood, hail, storm, earthquake)
- Vandalism and malicious damage
- Glass breakage (windscreen, windows)
Mini kasko (partial kasko) Covers the non-collision risks:
- Theft
- Fire
- Natural disaster (usually including earthquake)
- Does NOT cover collision damage
Mini kasko is cheaper but leaves you exposed if you’re in an accident.
Do I need kasko if I have traffic insurance?
Traffic insurance is the legal minimum — it only pays for damage you cause to others. Kasko is optional, but consider:
- If your car is worth more than a few thousand dollars, kasko is almost always worth it
- New cars should always have full kasko
- If you’re financing your vehicle, your lender will require full kasko
How are kasko premiums calculated?
Premiums depend on:
- Vehicle value: Higher value = higher premium. Calculated on TRAMER market value.
- Vehicle age: Newer cars are more expensive to insure
- Engine size and model: Sports and luxury vehicles pay more
- Your excess (muafiyet): Higher excess = lower premium
- Your claim history: No-claims discount applies
- Coverage type: Tam vs mini kasko
For a typical family car worth ₺500,000–₺1,000,000, full kasko premiums typically range from ₺20,000–₺60,000 per year in 2026.
Is kasko available for foreign-plate cars?
Kasko is designed for Turkish-plate vehicles. If you have a foreign-plate car in Turkey, you need foreign plate insurance instead — which is a different product. Contact us if you’re unsure which applies to you.
How to make a kasko claim
- Document the incident (photos, police report if applicable)
- Notify your insurer within 3 working days (usually)
- An assessor will inspect the vehicle
- Repairs are arranged at an approved garage, or a cash settlement is agreed
Our team can assist with claims in English — one of the biggest pain points for expats.
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