Earthquake insurance in Istanbul
Earthquake Insurance for Property, Known as DASK (Depram Sigortası / Deprem Sigortası)
Turkey is one of the countries located on a seismic fault line and experiences earthquakes continuously, of varying intensity. For this reason, the Turkish state has established specific construction standards in line with earthquake-resistance requirements, and has developed extensive expertise in earthquake-resistant construction — to the point that some countries have drawn on Turkey's expertise in this field. In this article, we present the key aspects of this insurance, following this table of contents:
What is earthquake insurance (DASK), and why is it required
What is DASK earthquake insurance specifically, and is it mandatory
If an earthquake occurs, God forbid, and my apartment is damaged, does the Turkish state step in, compensate, or help with this disaster
What are the criteria used to calculate the price of DASK / earthquake insurance
From which providers can I purchase earthquake insurance (DASK) for my apartment
What documents are required to obtain DASK / earthquake insurance
Which properties cannot be insured against earthquakes
What Is Earthquake Insurance (DASK), and Why Is It Required?
It is an insurance policy covering earthquake damage to immovable property (real estate), required in cases of buying and selling property, setting up utility subscriptions such as electricity and water, and required when applying for property-based ("real estate") residence. In this article, we detail all the information needed about DASK / earthquake insurance in Turkey.
What Is DASK Earthquake Insurance Specifically, and Is It Mandatory?
It is a mandatory document for many property-related transactions, including buying and selling property, obtaining a property-based residence permit, or subscribing to utilities such as water, electricity, and natural gas.
If an Earthquake Occurs, God Forbid, and My Apartment Is Damaged, Does the Turkish State Step In, Compensate, or Help with This Disaster?
Yes — there are provisions in Turkish law that protect citizens and foreign residents on Turkish territory in the event of natural disasters, including earthquakes, through more than one channel in the event of a disaster. These include immediate, rapid measures such as providing emergency shelter for affected families quickly, as well as financial and other compensation for those affected, depending on the extent and type of damage. In some cases, replacement apartments are provided within state housing projects known as TOKİ, at cost price, payable in installments over long periods with no interest.
What Are the Criteria Used to Calculate the Price of DASK / Earthquake Insurance?
There are several factors that make the earthquake insurance price differ even for properties of the same size or similar market value, listed below:
The property's proximity to fault lines — the closer it is, the higher the price.
The building's construction date — the newer it is, the lower the price, due to newer buildings' compliance with earthquake-resistance standards.
The building's total height.
The floor on which the apartment is located.
The apartment's total area.
The type of property — commercial, residential, warehouse, etc.
From Which Providers Can I Purchase Earthquake Insurance (DASK) for My Apartment?
There are several providers from which you can purchase earthquake insurance:
Private companies, such as us — Hallak Turkey Services Company. You can order directly and contact us to get earthquake insurance through us.
Government post offices (PTT).
Some banks can also provide it, but usually at somewhat higher prices.
What Does Earthquake Insurance (DASK) Cover?
DASK / earthquake insurance covers the building in whole or in part, including the ceilings, walls, foundations, the exterior wall/fence, stairwells, elevators, and rooftops — meaning it covers the entire building as a whole.
Note: the duration of DASK / earthquake insurance is one year, renewed annually.
What Documents Are Required to Obtain DASK / Earthquake Insurance?
The national ID card for Turkish citizens, or the residence permit and passport translated into Turkish for foreign nationals.
The tax number for foreigners who do not hold residence in Turkey.
The detailed address of the apartment for which earthquake insurance is being purchased, taken from a water, electricity, or gas bill.
The property owner's home address.
A copy of the title deed (Tapu).
The type of property.
The property's year of construction.
The total number of floors in the building.
Which floor the apartment is on.
The apartment's net area.
A phone number in Turkey.
The property owner's date of birth.
What Damages Are Not Covered by DASK / Earthquake Insurance?
Removal of building rubble in the event of collapse, God forbid.
Furniture and furnishings.
Goods in commercial premises.
Compensation for loss of rental income.
Cases of death.
Loss of income from being unable to work.
Psychological and physical harm.
Relocation expenses to a new home or premises.
Which Properties Cannot Be Insured Against Earthquakes?
Buildings condemned for demolition by the Turkish government.
Abandoned buildings.
Rural houses in villages and informal settlement areas.
Properties not licensed by the Turkish government.
Buildings that do not comply with Turkish earthquake-resistance regulations.
You can contact Hallak Turkey Services Company to get earthquake insurance for your home — comprehensive services all in one place, only at Hallak.