Earthquake Preparedness and an Insurance Plan for Homeowners in Sarıyer

Anyone who lives in Istanbul has to accept earthquake risk as part of daily life, and homeowners in Sarıyer, including expats who have bought a flat here, are no exception. The district has every kind of home, from older buildings along the Bosphorus to new residential complexes around Maslak and Ayazağa. This guide sets out earthquake preparedness together with the insurance side, as a step-by-step plan.

Two sides of preparedness: physical and financial

When people think of earthquake preparedness, they usually picture an emergency bag, furniture fixed to the walls and knowing the nearest assembly area. All of this is vital. The second side matters just as much: how you will pay to repair the home, replace belongings and, if necessary, stay somewhere else for a while. Without financial preparation, even an earthquake that the family survives unharmed can turn into an economic burden that lasts for years.

An insurance plan is the foundation of this second side. A well-structured plan makes clear in advance which part of the damage each policy will cover, and it reduces uncertainty after the event.

First layer: DASK, the compulsory earthquake insurance

DASK is Turkey’s compulsory earthquake insurance for homes with a title deed (tapu), required under Law No. 6305 on Disaster Insurance. A valid DASK policy is requested at the land registry and when opening electricity or water subscriptions. Foreign nationals who own property in Turkey are subject to the same rule; the policy is issued with the owner’s details, which for a foreigner usually means the foreign ID number (Yabancı Kimlik No) or passport details. DASK protects the building itself: walls, the load-bearing structure, the roof and the parts that form an integral part of the building.

Two points are important. First, DASK cover is capped at a set maximum, and for larger or higher-value homes this amount may fall short of the real rebuilding cost. Second, DASK does not cover your belongings. Furniture, white goods, electronics and personal items need separate protection. For a broader introduction, see our guide what is DASK compulsory earthquake insurance.

Second layer: earthquake cover in home insurance

The earthquake and volcanic eruption cover that can be added to a home insurance policy is designed to fill the gaps DASK leaves. It usually helps in three ways:

• Extra protection for the building: the part of the building’s value above the DASK limit can be topped up with the earthquake cover in your home policy.
• Protection for contents: belongings, which DASK does not cover at all, can be insured against earthquake based on the contents value you declare.
• Additional costs: depending on the policy terms, items such as debris removal, temporary accommodation or loss of rent can be included.

An important detail: insurers usually require a valid DASK policy before they will add earthquake cover to home insurance. The two layers are not alternatives; they complement each other. Earthquake cover also comes with deductibles and co-insurance arrangements. These vary by insurer and policy, so always ask about them when you request a quote.

A plan based on the type of home in Sarıyer

Housing in Sarıyer is very varied, so shape your plan around your own home:

• Older apartment buildings: the age and construction style of the building affect the assessment. Setting the building value correctly and making sure the extra cover above DASK is sufficient becomes critical.
• New complexes and residences: common areas are often protected by policies arranged by the site management, but you still need to check your own policy for your flat and everything in it.
• Detached houses with gardens: pay attention to how boundary walls, outbuildings and garden features are defined in the policy.

Your insurance plan, step by step

1. Check your DASK policy: make sure it is in force and that the address and square metre details are correct.
2. Set a realistic building value: base it on the rebuilding cost rather than the market sale price.
3. List your belongings: keep photos of valuable items and, where possible, their receipts.
4. Add earthquake cover to your home insurance: review the building and contents values separately.
5. Know your deductible: understand in advance what you will pay yourself after a claim.
6. Keep documents safe: store digital copies of your policies on your phone and in the cloud.

Setting up the plan once is not enough; review it at every renewal. If you have renovated, bought new valuable items or construction costs have changed noticeably, update the building and contents values, because outdated values can lead to underinsurance. Write down who in the family is responsible for which policy, when each one expires and how to reach your agent, and keep that note where everyone can find it.

First steps after an earthquake

Personal safety always comes first. Once it is safe, photograph the damage, report it separately for DASK and for your home insurance, and follow the loss adjuster’s process. DASK claims are received through DASK’s own reporting channels, while a home insurance claim is reported to the insurer that issued the policy. If you work with an agent, they can guide you through both processes, and our team can do this in English. You can review the details on our DASK earthquake insurance page and our home insurance page.

As Ailenizin Sigortacısı, we have worked with several insurers since 1996 and build DASK and home insurance plans that suit each home. Call us on +90 530 375 89 61 or send a WhatsApp message for English-speaking support and a side-by-side comparison of quotes, or visit our office at Maslak Atatürk Oto Sanayi Sitesi.