What Does Kasko (Comprehensive Car Insurance) Cover in Turkey?

1. Main Covers of Kasko

The main covers are defined in the general kasko conditions and form the basis of a standard kasko policy. Which of them your policy includes depends on the type of kasko you choose.

What is collision cover in kasko?

It covers damage when your car collides with another vehicle, is hit by a vehicle or object, or hits a pole, wall or barrier. It applies whether the car is moving or parked. Your car rolling over or leaving the road is also covered.

What is fire cover in kasko?

It covers the loss when your car catches fire. If the fire makes the car completely unusable, payment follows the total loss rules.

What is theft cover in kasko?

It covers the theft of your car or its parts, and damage caused during an attempted theft. When your car is stolen, report it to the police immediately and then to the insurer in writing within 5 working days at the latest. If the car is not found within a set period (usually 30 days), compensation is paid.

Is vandalism covered?

Yes. Malicious damage to your car by third parties, such as scratching, breaking a window or slashing tyres, is covered by kasko. Damage deliberately caused by you, your family or people you are responsible for is not covered.

Does kasko cover natural disasters?

Most kasko policies cover natural disasters such as earthquakes, volcanic eruptions, floods, storms, hail, lightning and landslides. Limited kasko policies may not include these covers, so always check whether they are written in your policy. Natural disasters are risks that traffic insurance does not cover at all.

What is strike, riot and terrorism (GLKHH) cover?

It covers damage to your car during strikes, lockouts, riots, civil commotion and terrorist acts. It is known as GLKHH and terrorism cover and is included in most kasko policies.

What does kasko not cover?

• Damage while the car is driven by someone without a driving licence
• Driving above the legal alcohol limit or under the influence of drugs
• Damage deliberately caused by the insured, their family or people they are responsible for
• Exceeding the passenger or load limit stated on the registration
• War, rebellion and similar events, and nuclear or radioactive damage
• Accessories fitted later and not listed on the policy

Wear and tear on tyres and parts and mechanical breakdowns are not covered by kasko unless they result from an accident.

2. Kasko Extras

Extras are added on top of the main covers and are where insurers differ most. Two kasko policies at the same price can have very different cover because of their extras. When we compare quotes, we put them side by side one by one.

What is Voluntary Liability (İMM) in kasko?

It pays the part of the damage you cause to others in an accident that exceeds the traffic insurance limits, up to the limit you choose in the policy. Since traffic insurance limits can be too low against expensive cars, it is one of the most important kasko extras.

What are personal accident and legal protection covers?

Personal accident cover pays fixed amounts for death, permanent disability and treatment costs of the driver and passengers in your car after an accident. Legal protection pays lawyer and court costs in disputes arising from an accident.

What is replacement car cover?

It gives you a temporary car while yours is at the repair shop after damage. How many days and how many times a year it can be used depends on the policy.

What roadside assistance services does kasko include?

Above all towing and recovery after an accident or breakdown, and depending on the policy, emergency services such as a battery boost, fuel delivery, tyre change and accommodation.

What are mini repair, glass and headlight covers?

They let small scratches and dents, and broken glass, headlights and mirrors be repaired without a claim record or at low cost. Some insurers also guarantee replacement with original glass.

What are personal belongings and key covers?

Personal belongings cover pays for items belonging to you and your family in the car, under certain conditions and up to the policy limit; conditions may include the items being in a locked compartment or the incident being documented in a report. Key cover pays for replacing locks and keys if the key is lost or stolen from your home.

What are the new value clause and sum insured reinstatement?

The new value clause, usually for brand-new or very recent cars, means that in a total loss you are paid the current turnkey price of the car. Sum insured reinstatement means that after a partial claim is paid, your policy’s sum insured is restored to its original level without an extra premium.

Other extras

• No-claims discount protection: keeps your discount from dropping after a set number of claims.
• Cover abroad: kasko normally applies only in Turkey; you can add it if you are driving abroad.
• Wrong fuel: covers engine damage caused by filling up with the wrong fuel.
• Accessory cover: accessories you add later, such as a sound system or rims, are covered if listed on the policy.

3. Types of Kasko

Kasko policies are divided into four types by how wide their cover is. Which one suits you depends on the value of your car, where you park and your budget.

What is limited kasko?

The cheapest type of kasko, including only some of the main covers. For example, it may cover only collision and theft and leave out natural disasters. It is chosen for older or low-value cars.

What is (standard) kasko?

A policy that includes all the main covers in the general conditions. Extras are limited or absent.

What is extended kasko?

In addition to all main covers, it includes selected extras such as İMM, personal accident, roadside assistance and a replacement car. It is the most popular type of kasko.

What is full kasko?

The widest type of kasko, including all the extras that can be added on top of the main covers. Recommended for new and high-value cars.

Which type of kasko suits you?

• If your car is new or valuable: extended or full kasko
• If you park on the street: a policy with natural disaster and vandalism cover
• If your car is old and of low value: save on premium with limited kasko
• In every case, make sure the İMM limit is high enough

4. Kasko Price and Discounts

Unlike traffic insurance, kasko covers and prices are set freely by each insurer. So prices for the same car can differ noticeably between insurers.

How is the kasko price set?

• The car’s kasko value (from the Insurance Association of Turkey’s list)
• The car’s make, model and model year
• Your claims history and no-claims discount
• The type of kasko and the extras you choose
• How the car is used, the province where it is registered and driver details
• Discounts for your profession or employer

What is the kasko value list?

A list published monthly by the Insurance Association of Turkey (TSB) showing average market values of cars by make, model, model year and type. It is used both to calculate the kasko premium and to set the payment if the car is a total loss.

How does the no-claims discount work in kasko?

If you complete the policy year without a claim, you earn a discount at renewal. Rates vary by insurer, but the common practice is shown below; the discount increases with every claim-free year and usually reaches its highest level in the 4th year.

When is the no-claims discount lost?

• If a claim is paid during the policy term, your discount usually drops one level.
• For claims where the other party is fully at fault and the amount paid is recovered from their insurer, your discount is kept.
• At many insurers, a glass, headlight or mirror claim does not affect the discount once.
• Changing insurer does not cost you your discount; the new insurer sees your claims history in the TRAMER records.
• If you change your car, your discount can be transferred to the new car’s kasko within the period set by the insurer.

What are profession and employer discounts?

Many insurers give extra discounts to professional groups such as teachers, doctors, pharmacists, engineers, civil servants and judiciary members, or to employees of partner institutions. Since rates vary by insurer, just tell us your profession when asking for a quote.

5. The Kasko Claims Process

Taking the right steps when something happens both speeds up the payment and protects your rights.

What should you do at the scene of an accident?

• If anyone is injured, call 112 first and make sure you are safe.
• Take photos of the scene and the damage before moving the car.
• Fill in the accident report form (kaza tespit tutanağı) with the other party; if you cannot agree, call the police or gendarmerie.
• Get the names and contact details of any witnesses.
• Let us know; we will follow the process on your behalf.

How soon must a kasko claim be reported?

You must report it to the insurer within 5 working days of learning about the damage. Late notice can cause problems with payment if it makes assessing the damage harder.

Which documents are needed for a kasko claim?

• The accident report form or the police/gendarmerie report
• The driver’s licence and the vehicle registration
• Photos of the damage
• If required, an alcohol test report and statements
• If the car is financed or pledged, a letter from the bank

What does the loss adjuster do?

The loss adjuster (eksper) appointed by the insurer inspects your car, determines the cause and extent of the damage, and reports which parts must be replaced or repaired. Payment is made according to this report.

What is the difference between contracted and non-contracted repair shops?

At the insurer’s contracted repair shops, the repair cost is settled directly between the insurer and the shop; you do not have to pay. At a non-contracted shop, an excess may apply under the policy terms, or you may have to pay first. When buying a policy, always ask where you can have repairs done.

What happens if the car is a total loss?

If the repair cost approaches or exceeds the car’s value, it is treated as a total loss (pert). You are then paid the car’s current value from the kasko value list; if your policy has a new value clause, payment can be based on the turnkey price. The salvage value of the damaged car may be deducted from the payment.

6. Frequently Asked Questions About Kasko