What is DASK?

DASK is the institution that administers the compulsory earthquake insurance system. Compulsory Earthquake Insurance (DASK) is mandatory for eligible residential buildings and eligible commercial units within such buildings; building type and exclusions are verified against official eligibility rules.

Compulsory earthquake insurance covers material damage caused directly by earthquake and related fire, explosion, tsunami and landslide within policy limits. In addition to foundations and load-bearing structure, the roof, stairways and similar integral building components are also covered. Contents and loss of rent are excluded.

The sum insured and premium are determined by the current DASK tariff and building details. Indexation provisions during the policy period also apply. Voluntary earthquake top-up cover should be considered for the portion of reconstruction cost that exceeds the policy limit.

Coverage scope

Risks covered by DASK

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Earthquake-induced structural damage

Damage to the load-bearing structure (foundations, columns, beams, walls) of the building caused by earthquake.

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Earthquake-induced tsunami

Structural damage to the building from seismic sea waves generated by earthquake.

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Earthquake-induced landslide

Damage to the building structure from earthquake-triggered ground movement.

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Earthquake-induced explosion

Building damage from an explosion occurring during or immediately after an earthquake.

Outside DASK coverage — covered by voluntary home insurance

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Contents and furniture

Appliances, furniture, electronics, clothing — DASK does not cover any contents.

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Independent fire

Fire damage not triggered by earthquake passes to voluntary home insurance.

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Loss of rent

Rental income from a building rendered uninhabitable is not covered by DASK.

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Internal water damage

Plumbing failure or water damage from a neighbouring flat is outside DASK.

Sum insured: Check the current tariff, gross floor area and building details. The sale value and reconstruction cost are not the same; evaluate voluntary top-up cover with this distinction in mind.

For tenants: Tenants may also take out DASK on behalf of the property owner; in this case the insured (beneficiary) under the policy is the owner. The tenant's own home insurance needs (contents, liability) should be assessed separately.

Exclusions

Please note: The following situations are outside standard policy coverage. Always read your policy special conditions.

  • Independent fire (not triggered by earthquake)
  • Contents, furniture and personal belongings
  • Internal water and plumbing failure
  • Third-party property liability to neighbours
  • Loss of rent and alternative accommodation
  • Building damage exceeding the DASK maximum sum insured (can be covered by supplementary home insurance)
  • Fully commercial or industrially used buildings; eligible shops and offices within residential buildings should not be confused with this exclusion

Who is it for?

  • Residential building owners: Statutory obligation for residential buildings registered in the title register.
  • Apartment owners and site managements: Policies for individual units and coverage for common building areas must be verified with the correct title and building details.
  • Tenants: They may take out the policy on behalf of the property owner; separate home insurance is recommended for contents and liability risk.
  • Mortgaged homeowners: Banks generally require DASK as a mortgage condition.

Frequently asked questions

Is DASK compulsory?
Yes, it is compulsory for eligible buildings and individual units. Eligible commercial premises and offices within residential buildings may also be covered; fully commercial or industrial buildings and other exclusions must be verified against official eligibility rules.
Can a tenant take out DASK?
A tenant may take out DASK as the policyholder on behalf of the property owner (landlord). In this case, the insured under the policy is the landlord. Voluntary home insurance is recommended for the tenant's own contents and liability risks.
Why is separate home insurance needed alongside DASK?
DASK covers only structural building damage caused by earthquake; it does not cover contents, independent fire, water damage, loss of rent or neighbour liability. Voluntary home insurance complements DASK for everyday life risks.
Does the DASK limit change every year?
The sum insured and maximum coverage are subject to the current tariff. Indexation provisions during the policy period also apply; annual fixed-amount updates alone should not be assumed. Check the current amount in the DASK tariff.
How is a DASK policy obtained?
Policies are issued through insurance companies and agents authorised by DASK. Neolife assists you in evaluating your building details and supplementary home cover. The DASK premium for the same risk details is set by tariff; there is no free price comparison between companies.

Official coverage and quotation information

Address, title deed and building details, gross floor area, construction type and your existing policy form the basis of the assessment. DASK coverage and scope, DASK frequently asked questions and the current tariff serve as the primary reference.