Property-insurance coverage checks: the policy name does not tell you what will actually be paid
Having an insurance policy does not mean every possible loss is covered. The owner must read the insured peril, insured property, limit, deductible, exclusions and notification conditions. In Türkiye, DASK/Compulsory Earthquake Insurance is an important mandatory layer for buildings within its scope, but it is not a substitute for broader household or property insurance. Coverage should be matched to the asset’s use, contents value, income dependence and building risks.
Start with DASK and understand its real scope
DASK covers, within the insured limits, direct material damage caused by earthquake and direct damage from earthquake-related fire, explosion, tsunami and landslide. Official DASK information lists structural elements such as foundations, main walls, floors, stairs, lifts, roofs and related building parts. It is financial protection for specified damage, not a comprehensive home policy or a certification of structural safety.
Know what DASK does not cover
DASK’s official exclusions include movable contents, loss of rent, alternative accommodation costs, financial liability, bodily injury and losses unrelated to the covered earthquake event. Damage that develops over time from the building’s own defects is also outside the same covered event concept. Those gaps are one reason owners consider additional voluntary property insurance.
Review insured sums, not policy labels
Even where a peril is insured, the limit may be below the actual loss. Check the insured amount for each section, the basis used for rebuilding value and any sub-limits for contents, electronics or glass. If the property has been renovated or contents value has increased materially, update insured values instead of leaving an old policy unchanged.
Separate building from contents
In an apartment, some damage relates to fixed building components and some to furniture, appliances, clothing and personal property. Ask exactly how the policy defines bina and eşya. A fitted kitchen, built-in wardrobe or air-conditioning system may be treated differently depending on wording. The claims stage is too late to discover the definition.
Check water-damage cover
Water leakage from pipes or neighbouring units is one of the most common practical apartment risks. Review whether the policy covers specified pipe leakage, resulting damage, opening and closing walls and damage to a neighbouring unit where the insured is liable. Gradual damp, poor maintenance and sudden accidental leakage can be treated differently.
Review fire, smoke and electrical risks
Confirm the scope for fire, smoke, lightning and relevant electrical risks under the actual contract. Understand whether appliances are settled at replacement value or another basis and whether electrical damage has sub-limits. Property with expensive equipment or central systems can require more tailored limits.
Consider third-party liability
A leak from the apartment can damage the unit below, or a visitor can suffer an accident on the premises. Personal or property-owner liability cover can therefore be important, particularly for rented property. Check who qualifies as an insured person, whether tenant or manager actions are relevant and what limits apply.
Review loss of rent and alternative accommodation
For an investment property, interrupted rent after a major insured event can be economically more important than a small repair. DASK specifically excludes loss of rent. Check whether supplementary cover provides rental-income protection, for how many months and only after which insured perils. Owner-occupiers should similarly examine alternative-accommodation benefits if needed.
Read theft and vandalism conditions
If theft cover is purchased, review conditions relating to forced entry, locks, police reporting and sub-limits for cash, jewellery and electronics. Theft insurance does not remove the duty to take normal security precautions. Long vacancy periods can also create special policy conditions and should be disclosed where required.
Understand deductibles
A claim may have an amount or percentage that remains with the insured. DASK general conditions include a defined deductible mechanism, and supplementary policies can have different excesses. Include these amounts in the emergency reserve. Insurance does not necessarily pay the first unit of every loss.
Know notification and evidence requirements
After an incident, prompt notice, preventing further damage and preserving photographs and invoices are important. Keep policy and claims contact information in the emergency file. Do not discard damaged items or undertake major non-emergency work before understanding insurer requirements unless immediate action is necessary for safety or to prevent greater loss.
Review coverage annually and after changes
A new tenant, conversion to furnished letting, major renovation, prolonged vacancy or expensive new equipment can alter the risk. Review insurance at renewal and after each material change. The useful question is not merely “Do I have insurance?” but “Which losses can I absorb myself, which losses do I want transferred, and does the current policy actually transfer them?”