What Should You Check in a DASK Policy When Buying a Home?

When buying a home, we carefully consider the price, location and payment plan. Insurance documents are sometimes left until the last day of preparations for the title transfer. Reviewing the DASK policy in advance can help identify missing or incorrect information earlier. According to DASK’s official guidance, compulsory earthquake insurance policies are checked during title deed transactions. Include this document among the first items you review in your purchase file.

The first step is to confirm that the policy matches the property you intend to buy. DASK requires the full address, address code and title deed information. Compare the address on the policy with your purchase documents. In developments with multiple blocks or similar door numbers, matching the development name alone is insufficient. Ask the insurer that issued the policy to explain and correct any discrepancy.

The second step is to check the building details. The year of construction, construction type, total number of floors, damage status, the apartment’s gross floor area and its use are among the information required when issuing a policy. DASK states that insurance is based on declarations. Do not assume that information copied from an older document is correct without checking it. If the listing, plans or other documents differ, clarify the reason and establish the basis for the information instead of guessing.

The third step is to review the start and expiry dates. Compulsory earthquake insurance is issued for one year and must be renewed annually. Having a copy of a policy does not mean that it is still valid. Check its validity while preparing for the purchase and record the renewal date separately. DASK explains that cover ends on the expiry date if the policy is not renewed.

The fourth step is to understand the sum insured. A home’s sale price and the policy’s insured amount are calculated on different bases. DASK cover considers rebuilding costs and excludes land value; the home’s size, construction type and maximum coverage limit are relevant. Do not judge the adequacy of cover solely by comparing the insured amount with the sale price. Discuss current cover and any need for additional protection with the insurer.

The fifth step is to understand which losses are covered. Within its coverage limits, DASK covers direct material damage to the building caused by an earthquake and resulting fire, explosion, tsunami or landslide. Household belongings, loss of rent and alternative accommodation expenses are excluded. If you want protection for these risks, review the terms of additional insurance products. Do not assume that a policy covers every loss based on its name.

It is helpful for the buyer and seller to work from the same document during preparations. The seller can provide a current policy copy, while the buyer can collect outstanding questions in one list. Clarify with the issuing insurer which insurance steps are required when ownership changes. If corrections have been made, obtain the updated document and clearly distinguish the dates of the old and new versions.

For the final check, answer four questions: Does the document relate to the correct home? Is the information accurate? Is the policy valid? Is the scope of cover understood? Keep the policy number and the insurer’s contact details in your file. This approach helps identify uncertainties earlier during purchase discussions. Understanding the document, rather than simply confirming that it exists, is a practical and useful step when buying a home.

Muharrem Uçar | Başkent Zirve Emlak

Sources DASK — Required Information and Documents https://www.dask.gov.tr/tr/gerekli-bilgi-ve-belgeler

DASK — Frequently Asked Questions https://dask.gov.tr/tr/sikca-sorulan-sorular

DASK — Coverage and Scope https://www.dask.gov.tr/tr/teminat-ve-kapsami

DASK — Housing Loans and Title Deed Transactions https://www.dask.gov.tr/tr/konut-kredileri-ve-tapu-islemleri

Sources checked on 16 October 2026. The source pages did not display a clear publication or update date, so the access date is provided. This article contains no periodic housing sales data and does not quote current premiums or maximum coverage amounts.