Your monthly premium is the lifeline of your policy. If the debit order doesn’t go through, neither does your cover. Understanding how payments work, and what happens if they don’t, helps you keep your insurance solid and uninterrupted.
How Premiums Work
Advance Payment: You’re paying upfront for next month’s cover. Miss it, and your policy stalls.
Debit Date: Premiums are collected monthly in advance on the Debit Date you selected (say the 15th).
Your Responsibility: It’s up to you to make sure the account has funds on that day. No funds = no cover.
Automatic Renewal: As long as premiums are paid, your cover rolls over month after month.
The Debit Order Process
Pineapple uses approved debit collection methods:
Authenticated Debit Order: Sometimes you’ll confirm your debit details electronically with your bank and Pineapple.
EFT Debit Order Service: If your bank doesn’t support authenticated orders, we’ll use EFT debit. This checks for funds and attempts collection automatically.
What Happens If You Miss a Payment
First Premium: If the very first premium bounces, the policy doesn’t start. Pineapple will try again and adjust your Cover Start Date. Still not paid? The policy won’t activate.
Monthly Renewal: Premiums must clear on or before the Debit Date.
15-Day Re-Attempt: If a debit fails, Pineapple automatically tries again 15 days later. If it still fails, you’ll have no cover for that Period of Insurance.
Three Missed Payments: If three consecutive months are missed, the policy cancels automatically from the first missed Debit Date.
Stop Payment: If you manually stop the debit order, your policy cancels automatically on that date. To cancel properly, you need to inform Pineapple directly.
Disputed Premiums: If you reverse a debit with your bank without Pineapple’s written consent, you’ll still owe the money, and Pineapple will recollect it.
Fees and Extra Costs
Recollection Fee: R50 charged for each failed debit collection (due to insufficient funds, cancelled authority, or incorrect banking details)
No Interest: Pineapple won’t charge interest on late premiums.
No Interest Refunds: Any interest earned after collection stays with Pineapple.
Insurance is only there when the premiums are. Missing payments creates gaps, suspends cover, or cancels your policy entirely.
By staying on top of your debit date and making sure funds are available, you keep your cover active and avoid unnecessary fees.
*The information provided here is for informational purposes only. For the full terms and conditions, please consult your policy wording.