After the two major earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş, widespread destruction affected 11 provinces. The quakes caused many casualties and extensive damage; countless residents whose homes were destroyed and whose vehicles were damaged are now wondering how those losses will be covered.
Many homeowners whose houses were demolished have started to receive payments through the Turkish Catastrophe Insurance Pool (DASK). The situation for vehicles trapped under rubble or otherwise damaged in the earthquakes, however, remains uncertain. Vehicle owners are asking whether compulsory traffic insurance or comprehensive (kasko) policies will cover those losses.
Does Mandatory Traffic Insurance Cover Earthquake Damage?
The earthquakes centered in Kahramanmaraş produced severe damage and numerous fatalities across multiple provinces. A subsequent tremor in Hatay caused additional loss of life. While shelter and basic needs continue to be urgent concerns, owners of damaged vehicles are checking their insurance status to determine whether they can stay in their cars or receive assistance.
Approximately 3.1% of Turkey’s registered vehicles are located in Hatay, Kahramanmaraş and Adıyaman. In these three provinces—among the hardest hit—estimates indicate around 120,000 vehicles are damaged, heavily damaged, or rendered unusable. Mandatory traffic insurance does not cover losses caused by natural disasters, so owners relying solely on compulsory coverage generally will not receive payments for earthquake-related vehicle damage.
Does Comprehensive (Kasko) Insurance Cover Earthquake Damage?
In the three provinces that suffered the most damage, only about 15% of vehicles are estimated to have comprehensive (kasko) coverage. Not every kasko policy includes natural disaster coverage; whether damage is paid depends on the specific terms of the policy. If a policy includes natural disaster protection, an expert assessment (expertise) will determine the vehicle’s condition and the insurer will pay according to the policy limits—potentially covering the full cost in qualifying cases.
While compulsory traffic insurance excludes natural disaster losses, some kasko policies may cover them. Because the proportion of vehicles with comprehensive coverage is relatively low in the hardest-hit areas, many vehicle owners who suffered earthquake-related damage may not receive compensation. Policyholders should review their contracts and contact their insurers promptly to request an expert assessment and to learn whether their specific policy covers earthquake damage.
For those seeking clarity: gather your policy documents, note the vehicle’s location and damage details, document the condition with photos if possible, and contact your insurer to initiate the claims process. If your kasko policy includes natural disaster coverage, the insurer will arrange an evaluation to determine eligibility. If not, other forms of aid or relief provided by governmental or relief organizations may be the only options available for vehicle owners impacted by the earthquakes.
