Not had a negative experience as such - but out of curiosity (and to keep Baris on his toes) I've had a few quotes from them for different properties over the past year or so. Other than one quote, which was a lot more expensive than we currently pay, the others were fairly competitive but not earth shatteringly cheap.
At the time of one of the quotes I think it was Aviva who were underwriting their policies which makes it all sound like a good deal, on the surface...
However, what they quote as advantages to buying from them I consider to be "disadvantages".
Firstly, they are a U.K. company and all claim handling is carried out in the U.K. They do *not* have any local agents, you have to deal with a local loss adjuster in the event of a claim - and guess who's interests he will have at heart? This situation may be fine in the U.K. but given issues like language and different procedures I know I would want someone on *my* side involved in the event of a major claim.
Secondly, if you read the policy document - ok I know not many folk do read the "small print" but there is a very important exclusion in respect of Turkey and earthquakes. If your property is not built with a "steel concrete carcass" (their words) then you're not covered. I'm no civil engineer but I do know that not every property in Turkey meets that standard.
Thirdly, stuff like English policy document, pay in sterling, underwritten by Lloyds etc - I can get all that with a local agent. One of our policies is with AIG - not exactly a small player in the insurance market. We also have public liability cover - it's just not described as that in the policy document - this type of cover is gradually entering the Turkish market, traditionally it's never been required...
If buying your policy from a faceless UK company makes you feel good then great, go for it. Personally I prefer to keep my business local and contribute to the local economy by using a local insurance agent, in my case Baris. He handles all our insurance, including DASK, even for property in Istanbul and is easily contactable by phone or email (and his English is better than mine).
If you do have a claim, Baris (and most other local agents) will help you deal with the insurers and any other official/legal body as required - and he's good at it.
JF
