The Need-to-Knows (Without the Headache)
Car insurance can feel like reading a menu in Japanese; confusing, unless you speak the language fluently. But the truth is, the more you understand these insurance terms, the better equipped you are to stay covered. Having this understanding also helps you get through a claim without any surprises.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the most important terms in your Pineapple motor insurance policy.
The Foundation: Period of Insurance & Compensation Limits
Your policy runs on a monthly basis, starting from your Cover Start Date and ending at midnight one month later. It auto-renews each month as long as your premium is paid on time. If your cover lapses (when the policyholder fails to make premium payments within the grace period), you might lose out on essential insurance protection.
Your Compensation Limit is the maximum amount Pineapple will pay for a claim. For motor vehicles, this depends on the Insured Value Type you’ve chosen:
Retail Value – The standard for most vehicles. Based on the Auto Dealers’ Guide, it’s what a dealer would sell your car for (standard accessories included). It’s automatically estimated and adjusted once a year.
Specified Value – For unique cars, like classics, where retail value doesn’t make sense. You’ll need to provide professional valuations for this.
Remember: your payout will be the Insured Value minus any:
Excess (the first amount you pay)
Depreciation (value drop over time)
Betterment (if repairs leave your car in better condition than before, you’ll chip in for the upgrade)
Vehicle Accessories: Standard vs. Non-Standard
Standard Vehicle Accessories – Fitted during manufacturing.
Non-Standard Vehicle Accessories – Add-ons fitted later (like mag wheels or a custom sound system). If you’ve added non-standard accessories, you’ll need to insure them separately—otherwise, they may not be covered in a claim.
Roadworthiness is Your Responsibility
Your car needs to stay roadworthy. That means brakes, tyres, lights, wipers — all the essentials — must be in good working order and compliant with South African road regulations.
If a claim shows your car wasn’t roadworthy, it can be rejected for lack of reasonable precaution.
The Impact of Gross Negligence
Your policy doesn’t cover gross negligence — that’s not just a mistake, it’s a deliberate disregard for safety and care.
Think: leaving your car unlocked with the keys inside, or driving way over the speed limit. If something happens because of gross negligence, subsequent claims can be declined.
“Description of Use”: Why It Matters
When you take out a policy, you have to declare your car’s Description of Use (e.g., Private or Business).
Why? Simple:
It affects your premium.
It impacts whether a claim is valid.
Example: if you insure your car for Private Use but start using it for commercial deliveries, a claim linked to that use will be rejected.
Geographical Scope & Cross-Border Travel
Your Pineapple motor insurance covers you within South Africa.
For Private Use, cover also extends to neighbouring countries like Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Malawi, Namibia, Eswatini, and Zimbabwe. But, before you travel, you must request a border cover letter from Pineapple (valid for up to 31 days).
Important: Third-Party Liability cover only applies inside South Africa. In other countries, you’ll need to arrange Third Party Liability cover yourself .
For Business Use, cover applies only within South Africa.
Bottom line: Understanding these terms means fewer surprises, more control, and smoother claims. This allows you to focus on the road, not the paperwork.
*The information provided here is for informational purposes only. For the full terms and conditions, please consult your policy wording.