How to verify DASK before buying property in Türkiye
DASK is the compulsory earthquake-insurance system for eligible residential buildings. It is financial protection, not an engineering inspection. A valid policy is important in a property file, but it does not prove that the building complies with seismic code or is structurally safe. Verification should therefore cover the policy data, term, coverage and exclusions while keeping structural due diligence on a separate engineering track.
1. What the compulsory policy covers
The General Conditions of Compulsory Earthquake Insurance cover direct material damage to the insured building caused by earthquake and also damage caused by earthquake-related fire, explosion, tsunami and landslide, up to the insured amount and subject to the conditions. The covered building elements include foundations, main and shared walls, floors and ceilings, stairs, lifts, landings, corridors, roofs, chimneys and similar integral parts described in the policy conditions.
2. What it does not cover
The General Conditions exclude categories such as debris-removal costs, loss of profit, business interruption, loss of rent, alternative accommodation or workplace cost, financial liabilities, movable property and contents, bodily injury or death, moral damages and losses not caused by earthquake or the covered earthquake consequences. Damage developing over time solely because of the building’s own defects or characteristics and not tied to a specific earthquake event is also outside the basic DASK protection. These gaps are central when deciding whether separate home insurance is needed.
3. Confirm that the building falls within the scheme
Law No. 6305 and the General Conditions define buildings and independent units subject to compulsory insurance, including independent units under the condominium regime and registered buildings constructed as residences, with specified related categories. The conditions also list excluded building classes and circumstances. If a seller says a property “does not require DASK,” obtain the actual legal or policy classification rather than treating the statement as sufficient.
4. Reconcile policy data with title and reality
Check policy number, start and expiry dates, address, independent-unit information, insured person, construction type, construction year and gross area used for the policy. DASK warns that inaccurate area or structural type can affect the insured amount and claim calculation. Address-system changes or different door numbers should be resolved before closing. A genuine policy for a similar address is not evidence for the purchased unit.
5. The policy term is one year
Compulsory earthquake insurance is issued for one year and requires renewal. It is not enough for a seller’s historic file to show that DASK was once purchased. Compare the expiry date with the transfer date and avoid relying on a policy that expires before closing. Preserve the active policy and verification/payment reference.
6. Why DASK appears in title, utility and financing processes
The compulsory-insurance framework requires verification in specified land-registry transactions, electricity and water subscriptions and housing-loan processes. This is why DASK commonly appears in closing checklists. Administrative acceptance of a policy number, however, does not certify that all policy data are accurate and does not replace engineering due diligence.
7. Insured amount is not market value
DASK’s insured amount is based on the insurance methodology and reconstruction cost of the insured building within the tariff structure; it is not the apartment’s market sale price and does not represent land or contents value. Do not use the DASK sum insured as a valuation. Where the owner wants protection beyond DASK limits or for contents, loss of rent and other risks, an appropriate voluntary property policy should be considered separately.
8. Do not substitute DASK for structural inspection
A policy does not mean an engineer inspected columns and foundations or that the building passed a seismic-performance analysis. Older, modified or damaged buildings require separate review of permits, building history, visible defects and professional engineering evidence. Where statutory risky-building determination is relevant, that process follows Law No. 6306 and licensed technical procedures. DASK deals with insured financial loss; it does not certify habitability or seismic resistance.
9. Closing-day check
On transfer day confirm that the policy remains active, the address and independent unit match, and the policy number belongs to the current file. If ownership data will be updated after sale, clarify the insurer/DASK procedure and renewal responsibility. Do not allow an unresolved mismatch to be deferred simply because a screenshot exists.
10. Red flags
- An expired policy or one expiring before closing.
- Address, independent-unit number or area mismatch.
- A claim that DASK proves the building is earthquake-safe.
- A claim that basic DASK covers furniture or loss of rent.
- Using the insured amount as market value.
- A policy image whose number and active status cannot be verified.
- No plan for annual renewal or correcting key property data.
Frequently asked questions
Does DASK cover furniture? No. Movable contents are excluded by the General Conditions.
Does it prove structural safety? No. It is an insurance contract, not a seismic engineering report.
How long is the policy term? One year, after which it must be renewed.