Buying property in Türkiye is an exciting milestone, whether it’s a new home, a holiday apartment, or an investment property. After signing the title deed and becoming an official homeowner, there are a few important responsibilities to take care of—one of which is securing DASK insurance.

What is DASK?

DASK stands for Doğal Afet Sigortaları Kurumu, or the Turkish Catastrophe Insurance Pool. It is a mandatory earthquake insurance that every property owner in Türkiye must obtain. Considering that Türkiye is located in an earthquake-prone region, the government requires all homes to be covered under this scheme to provide financial protection in the event of seismic damage.

Why is DASK Important?

• Legal Requirement: You cannot register utilities such as electricity, water, or natural gas without a valid DASK policy.

• Financial Protection: In case of an earthquake, DASK provides compensation to cover repair or rebuilding costs.

• Peace of Mind: Having insurance in place ensures that you and your family are safeguarded against unexpected natural disasters.

How is DASK Calculated?

The cost of DASK is not fixed; it depends on several factors:

• Location of the property (region’s earthquake risk zone)

• Size of the property (square meters)

• Type of building construction and age

Premiums are generally affordable, ranging from a few hundred to a few thousand lira per year depending on the property.

How to Get DASK Insurance?

• Through Banks and Insurance Companies: Many banks and authorized insurers in Türkiye can issue a DASK policy instantly.

• Documents Required: Typically, you need your title deed (Tapu) information, Turkish ID number (or passport for foreign buyers), and property details.

Renewing Your Policy

DASK policies are valid for one year and must be renewed annually. Forgetting to renew can cause delays in utility services and may leave you without protection in case of an earthquake.

Beyond DASK: Optional Home Insurance

While DASK covers earthquake-related structural damage, it does not cover personal belongings, furniture, theft, or fire. Many property owners choose to add a comprehensive home insurance policy for extra coverage.

Final Thoughts

Owning property in Türkiye comes with wonderful opportunities, but also with responsibilities. Making sure you have a valid DASK policy is one of the most important first steps after your purchase. It is not only a legal requirement but also a vital safeguard for your investment.

At Best Invest | Forbes Global Properties, we guide our clients through every step of the property purchase process in Türkiye—including securing mandatory DASK insurance—so you can enjoy your new home with complete peace of mind.