# Turkey residential disaster insurance coverage

> Live situation record from CLSTR: https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-residential-disaster-insurance-coverage
> Updated: 2026-08-15T21:00:05.000Z. Sources: 68. Developments: 2.

Turkey continues to face significant gaps in residential insurance coverage despite increasing natural disaster risks. Current data from the Natural Disaster Insurance Institution (DASK) reveals that the national mandatory earthquake insurance rate stands at 58 percent, covering 11,700,223 properties. This leaves approximately 42 percent of homes without coverage.

Regional uptake remains uneven. The Marmara region maintains the highest rate at 65 percent, followed by Eastern Anatolia at 64 percent and Southeastern Anatolia at 63 percent. The Black Sea region reports the lowest coverage at 45 percent. DASK General Secretary Balkır Demirkan noted that insurance uptake is higher in regions with more frequent seismic activity.

Since its inception in 2000, DASK has processed 867,275 damage reports resulting from 1,397 damaging earthquakes. The institution experienced a massive surge in activity following the Kahramanmaraş-centered earthquakes in 2023, which generated 653,081 reports. During a nine-month period following those disasters, DASK processed 540,000 files and paid out 39 billion lira in damages.

On the 27th anniversary of the 1999 Marmara earthquake, commemorative events were held across various locations. While local officials noted that public buildings have been largely renewed, the resilience of private residential structures remains a critical concern. In Istanbul, the Ministry of Environment, Urbanization, and Climate Change reported that 1,007,000 independent units have completed urban transformation, with 291,000 projects currently ongoing.

In response to ongoing seismic risks, local authorities are increasing disaster preparedness efforts; for example, the Bursa Metropolitan Municipality has invested in new firefighting vehicles and search and rescue training facilities. Experts, including geologist Prof. Dr. Naci Görür, continue to advocate for scientific urban planning, micro-zoning, and the establishment of dedicated disaster management institutions to minimize future loss of life and property.

## Claims

- The Marmara region has the highest insurance rate at 65 percent. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The Black Sea region has the lowest insurance rate at 45 percent. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- DASK paid 39 billion lira in damages following the Kahramanmaraş earthquakes. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- There have been 1,397 damaging earthquakes in Turkey since DASK began operations in 2000. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- DASK has received a total of 867,275 damage reports since its inception. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The year 2023 saw the highest number of damage reports with 653,081 claims. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- The insurance rate for compulsory earthquake insurance in Turkey is 58 percent. (corroborated by 5 sources)
- A total of 11,700,223 homes in Turkey have compulsory earthquake insurance. (corroborated by 5 sources)

## Timeline

### 2026-08-15: Turkey earthquake insurance rates reach 58 percent amid seismic risk

Marking 27 years since the 1999 Marmara earthquake, data shows 58% of Turkish homes have mandatory earthquake insurance, with regional disparities and ongoing urban transformation efforts.

68 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/dask-reports-58-percent-earthquake-insurance-rate-in-turkey

### 2026-08-02: Turkey's Homeowners Largely Uninsured Amid Rising Wildfire Risks

Only 58% of Turkey's 20.6 million homes have mandatory earthquake insurance and 20% have comprehensive coverage, leaving many vulnerable as wildfires and other disasters rise.

5 sources. https://clstr.news/cluster/turkeys-homeowners-largely-uninsured-amid-rising-wildfire-risks

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Cite as: Turkey residential disaster insurance coverage. CLSTR, https://clstr.news/situations/turkey-residential-disaster-insurance-coverage