Making a DASK Claim After an Earthquake: Steps and Documents

After an earthquake the first priority is safety, not insurance. But once you and your family are somewhere safe, reporting the building damage correctly to DASK, Turkey’s compulsory earthquake insurance, becomes an important part of recovery. DASK is compulsory for homes with a title deed under Law No. 6305 and pays for building damage according to the policy conditions. This guide walks through the process in general terms. Details can change, so always confirm your own situation with your agent.

Safety first: when to go back inside

You do not need to enter the building to take photos before reporting a claim. Do not go in until the authorities say the building is safe, especially if you see cracks or tilting in the structure. You can report from outside with the information you have; a loss adjuster will inspect separately. No insurance step is worth entering a dangerous building.

One small step before any earthquake makes this stage much easier: keep a copy of your policy, your title deed details and photos of your ID documents on your phone or in cloud storage. For foreign residents this means your passport and residence permit showing your foreign ID number (Yabancı Kimlik No). A family member who can also access these can report the claim if you cannot.

How to report a DASK claim

• DASK’s official website and call centre: the claims section accepts reports using policy and address details.
• The insurer that issued the policy: its claims department can take the report and pass it to DASK.
• Your agent: the agent who sold you the policy can guide you and help fill in missing information.

After a major event one channel may be busy; try another. Always write down the claim or file number you are given. For policy details, see our DASK earthquake insurance page.

Step by step

1. Get to a safe place and check on your family.
2. Find your policy details: if you do not have the policy number, a search can usually be made with your ID number and address.
3. Report the damage through an official channel and save the file number.
4. Keep your contact details current: the loss adjuster will call you; mention any temporary address.
5. Wait for the loss adjuster: they inspect the damage on site and prepare a report.
6. Provide the requested documents: missing papers delay payment.
7. Follow up: ask about your file through the channel you used and through your agent.

Documents and information to prepare

• Policy number or policy document
• ID details of the insured (Turkish ID or foreign ID number)
• Title deed details or a copy of the deed
• IBAN of the bank account for payment
• Photos and videos of the damage, if taken safely
• Copies of any damage assessment documents issued by the authorities

If the policyholder and the owner are different people, or the property has several owners, extra documents may be requested. Ask your agent in advance.

The loss adjuster and payment

The loss adjuster assesses the type and extent of damage, which is considered together with the building details on the policy. Wrong construction type, floor area or address can slow things down. Payment is calculated within the sum insured and deductible terms shown on your policy. If you disagree with the report, ask your agent how to object.

Prepare for the visit: note which rooms have which cracks, and keep any photos showing the condition before the earthquake. In apartment blocks, talk to the building manager so damage in shared areas is recorded too, and encourage neighbours to report their units.

Remember that DASK covers only the building. If your home insurance includes earthquake cover for contents or temporary accommodation, report separately to that insurer and keep both file numbers apart. See our home insurance page for options.

Common mistakes

• Delaying the report until the adjuster arrives
• Not noting the file number
• Not reporting a phone change or temporary address
• Reporting only to DASK and forgetting the home insurer
• Entering an unsafe building for photos
• Trusting unofficial offers of fast payment in return for a fee

Fake claim pages and middleman offers can appear after disasters. Report only through DASK’s official channels, your insurer or your own agent, and never share ID or bank details with strangers.

Following a claim alone in a stressful period is tiring, especially in a second language. Ailenizin Sigortacısı supports its policyholders through reporting and follow-up. Call +90 530 375 89 61 or send a WhatsApp message for help in English.