When Pineapple settles a claim, what happens to the damaged or recovered item? That’s where salvage comes in. It’s a standard part of the insurance process, but one that often catches people by surprise if they haven’t seen it before.
What is Salvage?
Your policy is clear: Pineapple's policy states: "Where a claim is settled for lost or damaged items, these items become ours."
In plain terms: once Pineapple has compensated you, the damaged or recovered item no longer belongs to you, it transfers to Pineapple.
Your Responsibilities Around Salvage
Allow Removal: You must allow Pineapple to collect the damaged items once the claim is settled. For example, if your car is written off, Pineapple will arrange to tow it away.
No Abandonment on Rejected Claims: If your claim is rejected, you cannot simply leave the damaged item behind and expect Pineapple to deal with it. It remains your property and your responsibility.
Why Insurers Take Salvage
Salvage isn’t just about carting away old stuff. It serves important purposes:
Cost Recovery: Damaged items can sometimes be repaired, resold, or broken down for parts. That helps offset the cost of claim payouts.
Fraud Prevention: Prevents someone from receiving a payout and then later benefitting from selling or using the damaged item.
Risk Management: It closes the loop on a loss, ensuring there’s no grey area over who owns the item.
Real-World Examples
Vehicle Write-Off: If your car is declared a total loss and you’re paid out, Pineapple becomes the owner of the wreck. They’ll handle collection and disposal.
Damaged Electronics: If your TV is written off and you receive a payout or replacement, Pineapple may take the broken TV.
Recovered Stolen Items: If a laptop is stolen and Pineapple pays out, but the police later recover it, that laptop now belongs to Pineapple.
Salvage ensures the claims process stays fair and financially sustainable for everyone. Once you’re compensated, the damaged or recovered item no longer has value for you; it has already been replaced in financial terms.
By understanding salvage, you’ll know what to expect after your claim is settled and avoid confusion about “who keeps what.”
*The information provided here is for informational purposes only. For the full terms and conditions, please consult your policy wording.