Pineapple Insurance: Complete Guide for South Africans
Everything you need to know about this digital insurance provider
Last updated: November 2025
Quick Facts About Pineapple
- Digital-first insurance starting from R19 per day
- Get insured in under 5 minutes via app or website
- Underwritten by Old Mutual (trusted name since 1845)
- Rated 4.7/5 on Hellopeter with 10/10 Trust Index
- Up to 30% cashback for driving less than 300km/month
Table of Contents
What is Pineapple Insurance?
Pineapple is a South African digital insurance company that started in 2017. It was created to make insurance simple, fair, and affordable for all South Africans.
The company is fully digital. This means you can get insurance, manage your policy, and claim online using their app or website. You don’t need to go to an office or spend hours on the phone.
Important: Pineapple is underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Insure Limited. This is part of Old Mutual Group, one of South Africa’s oldest and most trusted financial companies. Old Mutual has been operating since 1845.
Pineapple has FSP number 48650. This means they are registered and regulated by the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA). This is very important for your protection.
✅ How Pineapple Insurance Works
Pineapple makes getting insurance very easy. Here’s how it works step by step:
Step 1: Get a Quote (Takes 90 Seconds)
You can get a quote in three ways:
- Through the Pineapple app: Take a photo of your car or item you want to insure. The app uses AI to identify it and suggest cover.
- On their website: Go to pineapple.co.za and enter your details online.
- On WhatsApp: Contact them via WhatsApp for help.
Step 2: Choose Your Cover (Takes 3 Minutes)
The system will ask you a few questions about:
- What you want to insure (car, phone, laptop, household items)
- How much cover you need
- Your excess amount (the amount you pay when you claim)
Step 3: Pay and Get Covered (Takes 2 Minutes)
You can pay monthly by debit order or card. Your cover starts immediately after payment. You’ll receive your policy documents via email.
Step 4: Manage Your Policy Anytime
Use the app or website to:
- View your policy details
- Add or remove items
- Update your information
- Make a claim
- Cancel your policy (no penalties)
What Products Does Pineapple Offer?
As of November 2025, Pineapple offers two main types of insurance:
1. Car Insurance (Comprehensive Cover)
This protects your car against:
- Accidents and collisions
- Theft and hijacking
- Fire and explosions
- Natural disasters (hail, floods, storms)
- Malicious damage (vandalism)
- Third-party liability (if you damage someone else’s property)
Free extras included with car insurance:
- 24-hour roadside assistance (flat tyre, dead battery, out of fuel)
- Emergency towing services
- Key replacement if lost or stolen
- Windscreen and window repair
- Credit shortfall cover (if your car is written off)
- Free fuel, tyre, and battery assistance
2. All-Risk Insurance (Portable Items)
This covers items you can carry around:
- Mobile phones and tablets
- Laptops and computers
- Cameras and photography equipment
- Jewellery and watches
- Sports equipment
- Musical instruments
Your items are covered worldwide, not just in South Africa. This is useful when you travel.
💰 How Much Does Pineapple Cost?
Pineapple’s costs depend on what you’re insuring and your personal risk profile. Here are real examples from November 2025:
Car Insurance Costs
| Car Model | Monthly Cost |
|---|---|
| 2013 Daihatsu Sirion 1.3i | From R84 per month |
| 2017 Volkswagen Move Up! 1.0 | From R331 per month |
| 2022 Suzuki Swift GL | From R490 per month |
| Audi A3 | From R490 per month |
Pineapple advertises prices starting from R19 per day (about R570 per month). However, your actual cost depends on:
- Your age: Younger drivers usually pay more
- Where you live: High-crime areas cost more (Gauteng and KZN are more expensive)
- Your car’s value: More expensive cars cost more to insure
- Your driving history: Accidents and claims increase your premium
- Your excess amount: Higher excess = lower monthly payment
All-Risk Insurance Costs
For portable items, costs are much lower. Examples:
- Mobile phone (R5,000 value): From R50-R80 per month
- Laptop (R10,000 value): From R80-R120 per month
- Camera equipment (R15,000): From R120-R180 per month
Requirements to Sign Up
To get insurance with Pineapple, you need:
For All Insurance Types:
- Valid South African ID or passport: You must be a South African resident
- Proof of address: Recent utility bill, bank statement, or lease agreement (less than 3 months old)
- Banking details: For debit order payments
- Email address and phone number: For communication
- FICA documents: As required by South African law to prevent money laundering
Additional for Car Insurance:
- Valid driver’s licence: Must be a South African licence
- Vehicle registration papers: Proof that you own the car
- Car details: Make, model, year, and VIN number
- Digital car inspection: Done through the app (you can do this yourself at home)
- Must be 18 years or older
Additional for All-Risk Insurance:
- Proof of ownership: Receipt or invoice for the item
- Photos of the item: Taken through the app
- Serial numbers: For electronics and valuable items
Important: You don’t need a payslip or credit check to get Pineapple insurance. This makes it accessible to more South Africans, including self-employed people and freelancers.
✅ Key Features and Benefits
What makes Pineapple different from traditional insurers?
1. Fast Digital Process
Everything happens online. No office visits, no paperwork, no long phone calls. Get a quote in 90 seconds and be insured in under 5 minutes.
2. Flexible – No Lock-in Contracts
You can cancel anytime without penalties. Pay month-to-month with no minimum contract period.
3. Cashback Rewards
Two ways to get money back:
- Drive Less Get Blessed: Up to 30% back monthly if you drive under 300km
- Annual cashback: At year-end, leftover premiums from the community pool are shared among members
4. Pineapple Rewards Programme
Earn points for using the app and referring friends. Redeem points for vouchers from partner stores.
5. Choose Your Own Excess
Pick an excess amount you can afford. Higher excess means lower monthly premiums. Lower excess means you pay less when claiming.
6. Fast Claims Processing
Most claims are processed within 24-72 hours. Some simple claims are paid out in under 2 days. Everything is done through the app.
7. Open Driver Policy (Car Insurance)
Anyone can drive your car if they:
- Are 18 years or older
- Have a valid South African driver’s licence
- Have your permission
If they have an accident, the claim is covered (but a R5,850 additional excess applies).
8. Excellent Customer Reviews
As of November 2025:
- Hellopeter rating: 4.7/5 stars
- Trust Index: 10/10
- Google Reviews: 4.7/5
- Fastest-growing short-term insurer in South Africa (178% growth in 2024)
How to Make a Claim with Pineapple
Making a claim is very simple. You can do everything through your phone:
Step 1: Report the Incident
If your car was stolen or in an accident involving injury:
- Report to the police immediately
- Get a case number (very important!)
- For theft: Report within 24 hours
- For accidents with injury: Report within 24 hours
- For accidents without injury: Report within 1 working day
Step 2: Log Your Claim in the App
Open the Pineapple app or go to the website:
- Click “Make a Claim” (top right corner)
- Sign into your account
- Follow the prompts to enter details about what happened
- Upload photos of the damage
- Provide your police case number (if applicable)
- The whole process takes about 30 seconds
Step 3: Pineapple Assesses Your Claim
A Pineapple claims agent will:
- Review your claim and photos
- Contact you if they need more information
- Verify the details with the police (if needed)
- Arrange an assessment if required
Step 4: Get Your Payout or Repair
For car repairs:
- Pineapple arranges repairs at an approved panel beater
- Or you can choose your own repairer
- You only pay your excess amount
For stolen items or total losses:
- Pineapple pays you the insured value
- Minus your excess
- Payment goes directly to your bank account
How Long Does It Take?
Pineapple claims average 24-72 hours for processing. Some simple claims (like windscreen replacement) can be done in under 2 days. More complex claims (like theft or major accidents) may take 5-10 working days.
⚖️ Alternatives to Pineapple Insurance
While Pineapple is excellent for digital-first insurance, you may want to compare other options. Here are the main alternatives in South Africa as of November 2025:
| Company | Best For | Starting Price |
|---|---|---|
| Pineapple | Fast digital service, monthly cashback | From R84/month |
| King Price | Decreasing premiums as car depreciates | From R350/month |
| OUTsurance | 10% cashback after 3 claim-free years | From R350/month |
| MiWay | Flexible online policies, low mileage discounts | From R400/month |
| Discovery Insure | Rewards for safe driving, Vitality benefits | From R450/month |
| Santam | Established reputation, comprehensive cover | From R450/month |
How to Choose the Right Insurer:
- Compare quotes: Get quotes from at least 3 companies
- Check what’s included: Look at excess amounts, cover limits, and free benefits
- Read reviews: Check Hellopeter and Google Reviews
- Verify registration: Make sure they’re registered with FSCA
- Consider your needs: Do you want app-based service or personal brokers?
🚨 Scam Prevention: How to Stay Safe
Insurance scams are increasing in South Africa. As of 2025, the FSCA issues over 100 public warnings each year about fake insurers and scams. Here’s how to protect yourself:
Common Insurance Scams to Avoid:
1. Fake Insurance Companies
Scammers create fake websites that look like real insurers. They collect your money and personal information, then disappear.
Red flags:
- Prices that are far too cheap (e.g., R50/month for full car insurance)
- No FSP number displayed
- Pressure to pay immediately via EFT or cash
- Poor quality website with spelling errors
- No physical address or landline number
2. Impersonation Scams
Criminals pretend to be from Pineapple or other legitimate insurers. They contact you via WhatsApp, Telegram, or SMS asking for personal details or payments.
Red flags:
- Contact via Telegram (Pineapple doesn’t use Telegram)
- Asking for passwords or banking PINs
- Offering deals that sound too good to be true
- Using personal Gmail addresses instead of company email
- Urgent language like “Act now or lose your cover!”
3. Fake Claims Assistance
Someone offers to help you inflate your claim or claim for damage that didn’t happen. This is fraud and you can go to jail.
4. Unlicensed “Insurance” Providers
Some funeral parlours and informal businesses sell “insurance” without proper licences. When you claim, they often can’t pay.
How to Verify Pineapple is Legitimate:
- FSP Number: Pineapple’s FSP number is 48650
- Check FSCA register: Go to www.fsca.co.za and search for FSP 48650
- Underwriter: Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Insure Limited
- Official website: pineapple.co.za only
- Contact numbers: Get numbers from the official website only
- Email addresses: All Pineapple emails end in @pineapple.co.za
Where to Report Insurance Scams:
- FSCA: 0800 110 443 or www.fsca.co.za
- Insurance Crime Bureau: 0860 002 526 or SMS 32269
- Police: 10111 (emergencies) or your local station
- SABRIC: For banking-related fraud
Your Consumer Rights and How to Complain
As a South African insurance customer, you have important legal protections under the Short-term Insurance Act and Consumer Protection Act.
Your Rights Include:
- Clear information: Insurers must explain policies in plain language
- Fair treatment: No discrimination based on race, gender, or disability
- Claims processing: Insurers must handle claims fairly and within reasonable time
- Policy documents: You must receive full policy documents within 30 days
- Cancellation rights: You can cancel within 31 days if not satisfied
- Privacy: Your personal information must be protected (POPI Act)
If You Have a Problem with Pineapple:
Step 1: Contact Pineapple Directly
Try to resolve the issue first:
- Use the in-app chat function
- Email their official support
- Keep records of all communication
- Give them 6 weeks to respond
Step 2: Escalate to the National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO)
If Pineapple doesn’t resolve your complaint within 6 weeks, or you’re not happy with their response:
- Website: www.nfosa.co.za
- Phone: 0860 726 890
- Email: info@nfosa.co.za
- Office: Sunnyside Office Park, 5th Floor, Building D, 32 Princess of Wales Terrace, Parktown
Important: The Ombud’s service is completely free. They can investigate your complaint and make binding decisions on the insurer.
Step 3: Report Regulatory Issues to FSCA
If you believe Pineapple broke financial regulations:
- FSCA Toll-free: 0800 110 443
- Website: www.fsca.co.za
- Email: info@fsca.co.za
How to Make an Effective Complaint:
- Put it in writing: Email or letter, not just a phone call
- Include all details: Policy number, dates, what happened, what you want
- Attach evidence: Policy documents, emails, photos, receipts
- Stay calm and factual: Stick to facts, avoid emotional language
- Keep copies: Save everything you send and receive
- Follow up: Check progress every 2 weeks
Our Final Recommendations
Pineapple Insurance is an excellent choice for South Africans who want affordable, digital-first insurance. It’s especially good for:
- Young adults and first-time buyers who are comfortable using apps
- People who drive less than 300km per month (great cashback)
- Anyone who wants to avoid paperwork and office visits
- Budget-conscious consumers looking for fair pricing
- Self-employed people (no payslip needed)
Pineapple’s Strengths:
- Genuinely affordable (starting R84/month for cars)
- Fast claims (24-72 hours average)
- No lock-in contracts
- Backed by Old Mutual (financial security)
- Excellent customer reviews (4.7/5 stars)
- Up to 30% monthly cashback possible
Things to Consider:
- Must be comfortable using apps (no physical branches)
- Limited to car and portable items insurance (no home buildings cover yet)
- Premiums vary based on your risk profile
Bottom Line: Pineapple is legitimate, affordable, and well-reviewed. It’s one of the best options for digital car insurance in South Africa in 2025. However, always compare quotes from at least 3 companies before deciding. What’s cheapest for your friend may not be cheapest for you.
Ready to get a quote? Visit pineapple.co.za or download the app from Google Play or Apple App Store. Remember to verify the FSP number (48650) before sharing any personal information.
Disclaimer: This information is provided for educational purposes and was last updated in November 2025. Insurance premiums, fees, product features, and requirements may change. Always verify current information with Pineapple directly or check their official website at pineapple.co.za before making financial decisions. We are not affiliated with Pineapple Insurance.
Pineapple Insurance (FSP 48650) is underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Insure Limited, a licensed Non-Life Insurer and authorised FSP.
For complaints or disputes with insurance providers, contact the National Financial Ombud Scheme (NFO) at 0860 726 890 or visit www.nfosa.co.za. For regulatory issues, contact the Financial Sector Conduct Authority (FSCA) at 0800 110 443 or visit www.fsca.co.za