Pineapple’s Encyclopaedia

All the insurance wording you’ll ever need without the lengthy, complicated jargon—or simply, insurance terms in plain English – finish and klaar.

A

B

C

D

E

F

G

H

I

J

K

L

M

N

O

P

Q

R

S

T

U

V

W

X

Y

Z

A

Accidental Damage

/ˌaksɪˈdɛntl ˈdamɪdʒ/
Refers to unforeseen events that cause unintended physical damage to the insured item. So, we ensure you're fully protected when stuff accidentally hits the fan, floor, or anything else.

Additional/Special Excess

/əˈdɪʃən(ə)l or ˈspɛʃl ɛkˈsɛs/
You already know what an excess is (the first amount a client pays before the insurer settles the claim); an additional/special excess is similar. It’s a bonus excess that only applies under specific circumstances, usually laid out by the insurer. For example, 1) claiming within six months of signing up, 2) motorists under 25 or 3) an incident outside South Africa’s borders.

Agent

/ˈeɪdʒ(ə)nt/
A super helpful person who works at an insurance company/provider. They assist you with picking the best policy for you and explaining the coverage details in depth.

All-Risk

/ɔːl rɪsk/
(a.k.a. single items insurance, per item insurance or “Stuff”) Coverage that automatically protects your valuable items (think phones, drones, coin collections and laptops) against any perils or situations not explicitly excluded in your policy. It usually covers your items against theft, accidental loss or damage, and Mother Nature anywhere in the world.

Appointed Driver

/əˈpɔɪntɪd ˈdrʌɪvə/
The chosen one, also called the ‘regular driver’. This is the VIP nominated by the policyholder and specified on the insurance policy as the vehicle’s primary driver. The policy will cover this driver in the same way as it would the primary policyholder. The regular driver’s risk profile (age, insurance history, license code) will determine the policy’s premium price.

Appraisal

/əˈpreɪzl/
An appraisal is a professional evaluation of one’s property, collectable items or antiques done by a qualified appraiser to determine the value of a person’s belongings. Using in-depth knowledge, experience and current market data, appraisers can give an objective appraisal and determine a possible price.

Assessor

/əˈsɛsə/
The person in charge of determining the value of something is known as an assessor. In insurance, this professional evaluates claims to determine the insurance provider’s level of liability and ensure the client receives a fair settlement.

Auto Crash Detect

/ˈɔːtəʊ kraʃ dɪˈtɛkt/
The citizens of Gotham have the Bat-Signal, so you can think of Auto Crash Detect as your very own SOS beacon. Pineapple’s free crash detection automatically detects if you’re in an accident and immediately notifies everyone in your emergency contact list.

Average

/ˈav(ə)rɪdʒ/
This refers to a clause stating if you don't insure an item for its total value and it gets damaged, you might not get the total amount you claim. The payment is adjusted based on the percentage you insured the item for.

B

Balloon/Residual Payments

/bəˈluːn or rɪˈzɪdʒʊəl 'peɪm(ə)nt/
Put the confetti away; it’s not that kind of party, and these aren’t those kinds of balloons. A residual or balloon payment is the amount due at the end of a loan term structured as a series of smaller monthly payments. After the smaller repayments have been made, they’re soon followed by the lump sum.

Beneficiary

/ˌbɛnɪˈfɪʃ(ə)ri/
The person or entity you select to receive benefits or a payout from an insurance policy, usually as a form of inheritance. You can easily spot them as the person who isn’t crying at the funeral.

Betterment

/ˈbɛtəm(ə)nt/
Insurance aims to place the policyholder in the same position as before the loss. But, when an item, say a part of your car, requires repair or replacement, its condition may improve beyond its original state before the damage. For instance, replacing damaged tyres with those in similar shape as before an accident is impossible, so the insurer replaces the used tyres with brand-new ones. And since insurance might only cover the original value, the policyholder must pay the difference.

Blanket insurance

/ˈblaŋkɪt ɪnˈʃʊərəns/
When searching for cover, where better to look than under a blanket? This single insurance policy can cover multiple types of property or even several properties at once. This helps you avoid the hassle of getting an individual policy for each.

Book Value

/bʊk ˈvaljuː/
Although this may sound like something you might ask a librarian, it has nothing to do with the written word. Book value is the current value of a car based on its original cost minus depreciation. It's often used to determine appropriate payout amounts in claims.

Broker

/ˈbrəʊkə/
What’s the difference between a sales agent and a broker? One is broker than the other (we’re only kidding). The two are pretty similar in that a broker is a professional who helps you find and buy insurance policies. Unlike an agent, a broker typically represents the client, not an insurance company, and can shop from multiple insurers.

Broker Fee

/ˈbrəʊkə fiː/
Nothing in life is free, and as much as your broker may like you as a person, they’re still going to charge you for their services. This is called a broker fee, the money you pay a broker for their assistance in helping you find and buy insurance.

Building Insurance

/ˈbɪldɪŋ ɪnˈʃʊərəns/
Insurance for buildings. No, really. This policy protects your home or building from structural damages against risks like fire, theft, or storm damage. It does not cover your valuables or belongings inside the building – that would be household contents insurance.

Business/Commercial Use

/ˈbɪznɪs or kəˈməːʃl juːz/
These terms are used in insurance to identify and define how you use your vehicle. Business use includes, but isn’t limited to, using your car to undertake professional duties and carrying paperwork, laptops, etc. (like a realtor driving to different property showings). Commercial use is, but isn’t limited to, transporting tools or materials to your job site. Ordinary insurance typically doesn’t cover these types of uses, so you'd need a particular policy.

C

Cancellation

/ˌkansɪˈleɪʃn/
This isn’t like when you give a controversial take and society decides to shun you; that’s getting cancelled. A cancellation is when you end an insurance policy before its expiry date.

Car Hire

/kɑː ˈhʌɪə/
Popularly known as a ‘courtesy car’, car hire is a perk of insurance; it’s an optional add-on that covers the cost of renting a vehicle-for-hire if yours is being repaired or replaced.

Car Insurance

/kɑː ɪnˈʃʊərəns/
A policy that offers financial protection against damages sustained or caused by your car, covering collision and non-collision-related accidents, theft, natural disasters and malicious damage.

Catastrophe

/kəˈtastrəfi/
The term ‘catastrophe’ is usually used in property insurance and refers to an often sudden, significant and disastrous event that causes damage like large-scale storms, earthquakes, or floods.

Claim

/kleɪm/
A formal request from a client to their insurer asking for payment based on the policy’s terms and conditions. The request usually occurs following a covered event like a collision-related accident.

Claims History

/kleɪmz ˈhɪst(ə)ri/
The record of all a person’s insurance claims they’ve submitted over time is known as their claims history. The details, subject, amount, and other details form part of the claims history.

Commercial Use

/kəˈməːʃl juːz/
As previously mentioned, commercial use is, but isn’t limited to, transporting tools or materials to your job site. Ordinary insurance typically doesn’t cover these types of uses, so you'd need a particular policy.

Community Feed

/kəˈmjuːnɪti fiːd/
Your first thought might’ve been a soup kitchen or lunch with friends, but that’s not what community feed refers to. It’s a frequently updated platform or forum where users can engage with one another, compare experiences and share insights in one place.

Comprehensive Car Insurance

/, kɒmprɪˈhɛnsɪv kɑː ɪnˈʃʊərəns/
An insurance policy that covers an extensive array of perils is known as comprehensive car insurance. The kind of coverage you can expect from this type of insurance is in the name; it covers all aspects (accidents, theft, fire, and other damages).

Consequential Loss

/kəˈtastrəfi/
The term ‘catastrophe’ is usually used in property insurance and refers to an often sudden, significant and disastrous event that causes damage like large-scale storms, earthquakes, or floods.

Consequential Loss

/kɒnsɪˈkwɛnʃ(ə)l lɒs/
A financial loss not directly caused by a covered event but is a result of said event. This often results in ongoing profit loss due to the inability to operate and generate income. For example, if a store suffers fire damage, the damage is direct, but lost business during repairs is consequential.

Cooling-off Period

/ˌkuːlɪŋˈɒf ˌpiːrɪəd/
A period after an insurance sale contract is agreed to or after signing up for an insurance policy where the policyholder has the right to cancel the policy without facing penalties.

Coverage

/ˈkʌv(ə)rɪdʒ/
The amount of liability or risk covered by an insurance policy. The specific events or damages an insurance policy will protect against and financially compensate for form part of the coverage.

Credit Score

/ˈkrɛdɪt skɔː/
The definition of credit score is a numerical rating or representation of a person’s creditworthiness and perceived ability to repay loans based on their credit history.

Credit Shortfall

/ˈkrɛdɪt ʃɔːtfɔːl/
The difference between the amount of debt you owe to a bank or finance house and the amount your insurance provider pays for a claim when your car is stolen or hijacked and not recovered or written off in an accident is known as the credit shortfall.

D

Damage to Others

/ˈdamɪdʒ tuː ˈʌðəs/
This one’s pretty straightforward and self-explanatory: the harm and subsequent cost you've caused to other people's property or well-being, often covered under liability portions of insurance policies.

Depreciation

/dɪˌpriːʃɪˈeɪʃn/
The process of the reduction in an asset or item’s value over time, mainly due to wear and tear. Take a car, for instance; a new vehicle loses value as it gets older and is used more.

Digital Insurance

/ˈdɪdʒɪtl ɪnˈʃʊərəns/
Unlike traditional insurance, digital insurance (or insurtech companies) provides insurance services or policies offered and managed primarily online via websites or apps, without heaps of paperwork or in-person interaction.

Disclosure

/dɪˈskləʊʒə/
Not the English electronic music duo behind the hit song ‘Latch’ featuring Sam Smith but the sharing of important information, especially facts that could affect your insurance coverage or premiums (e.g. telling your car insurance company about a previous accident).

Drive Less Benefit, a.k.a Drive Less, Get Blessed

/drʌɪv lɛs ˈbɛnɪfɪt/
The future of insurance exists as usage-based insurance products, and Pineapple offers just that. The Drive Less benefit or Drive Less, Get Blessed rewards clients with an automatic discount of up to 30% each month you drive below 300km.

E

Effective Date

/ɪˈfɛktɪv deɪt/
When a client’s insurance coverage kicks off for that period or year. From this day, until the client or insurance provider cancels the coverage, a client’s vehicle is protected under the policy’s terms and conditions.

Emergency Assist/Assistance

/ɪˈməːdʒ(ə)nsi əˈsɪst or əˈsɪst(ə)ns/
Also referred to as roadside assistance, this is a service commonly provided by insurance companies to help during emergencies, like if you're stranded on the road after a car breakdown. Services include assistance with a flat or tyre, no fuel, breakdown and lost or stolen key.

Estimated Value

/ˈɛstɪmeɪtɪd ˈvaljuː/
The estimated value is the expected worth of something. In insurance, this amount will be how much you and the insurance provider believe your car or home is worth.

Excess

/ɛkˈsɛs/
Insurance isn’t a free-for-all; you still have to bear some responsibility, and part of it is an excess. Excess is the out-of-pocket amount for a claim before your insurance covers the rest. It's like a contribution you make towards the repair or replacement cost of the vehicle.

Exclusions

/ɪkˈskluːʒn/
These are the things that even the best insurance policies can’t or won’t cover; this is called an exclusion. Most standard insurance policies typically include some exclusions; if your car insurance doesn't cover floods, then damage from a flood would be an exclusion.

Extras & Accessories

/ˈɛkstrəz and əkˈsɛs(ə)riez/
Most cars come standard made, with particular features. Any added feature that doesn’t come as the standard factory make and is an additional item or enhancement is considered an extra and accessory.

F

Fairest of Them All

/fɛːrist ɒv ðɛm ɔːl/
We borrowed this phrase from a certain fairytale about a pale-skinned, raven-haired Princess (who shall not be named for legal reasons) and made it our own. “Honest. Trustworthy. Fair. Honourable. Unbiased,” this is what we aspire to see every time we look in the Mirror Mirror. “Beautiful. Lovely. Pure. Fresh. Quality,” this is how we hope our clients will describe our brand, app, website and user experience. It’s everything you need, and nothing you don’t; Fair price. Accountability through Community. Honesty. We aim to be the fairest insurance provider in South Africa, and it starts with respecting our Pineapple members enough to be open and unbiased.

Fire and Explosions

/ˈfʌɪə (ə)n(d) ɪkˈspləʊʒn/
When things get heated, and the Big Bang isn’t just a physics theory, Pineapple has the right policy for you. Our comprehensive insurance coverage deals with damages caused by fires and sudden, violent blasts or blowing up.

Flat/Dead Battery Assist/Assistance

/​​flat or dɛd ˈbat(ə)ri əˈsɪst or əˈsɪst(ə)ns/
Yet another exciting benefit of roadside assistance. Should your car's battery die, leaving you stranded in the streets, this service ensures we will dispatch someone to help jump-start the vehicle. Depending on the policy, towing services may also be on the table if the battery can't be jump-started.

Flooding

/ˈflʌdɪŋ/
Mother Nature can be a real b#@%*, but there’s no denying her power of destruction and wrath. Natural disasters like heavy rainfall, storm surges, or river overflows could mean extensive property damage and your car going for an unscheduled swim. While some insurance policies might cover flood damages, others will exclude it, requiring you to get separate flood insurance – thankfully, Pineapple offers the former.

Fuel Assist/Assistance

/ˈfjuːəl əˈsɪst or əˈsɪst(ə)ns/
Remember that emergency roadside assistance? This forms part of that benefit. Should you run out of fuel en route to your destination, we’ll deliver a limited amount of fuel to get them to the nearest petrol station. The specifics of how much fuel and any associated costs should be detailed in your policy.

G

Good Faith

/ˌɡʊd ˈfeɪθ/
We’re not here to treat you like a suspicious partner; even on your shadiest days, we’ll take your word as the gospel truth without much fuss. Good faith is a fundamental insurance principle, indicating we (as the insurer) and a mutual understanding of honesty and fairness binds you (the insured).

Grace Period

/ɡreɪs ˈpɪərɪəd/
Ah, amazing grace, the set time after the premium due date, during which you can make a premium payment without the policy lapsing or getting cancelled. So, if your debit is due on the 1st of the month, but your insurance has a 10-day grace period, you have until the 11th to pay before the policy is in danger of termination. However, it's essential to understand that the claim might not be honoured if something happens during the grace period before payment.

H

Held Liable

/hɛld ˈlʌɪəbl/
As cosy as it sounds, being held liable has little to do with gentle cuddles – in fact, it’s best avoided entirely, if possible. To be "held liable" means being legally responsible for something, especially compensating for damages or harm.

Hellopeter

/həˈləʊ ˈpiːtə/
Everyone has something to say, and the leading South African review-management platform, Hellopeter, offers the perfect platform for customers to do just that. Hellopeter aims to “[connect] South African consumers and businesses” by allowing users to share their opinions and allowing businesses to respond to their clients' queries and complaints.

Hijackings

/ˈhʌɪdʒakɪŋz/
Living in a crime-riddled country like South Africa, you’re probably no stranger to this term. Hijackings refer to situations where an individual forcibly takes control of someone else's vehicle, typically with criminal intent. Insurance policies covering hijackings will compensate for losses associated with such events, including potential damage to the car or items stolen from inside it.

Home Contents Insurance

/həʊm kənˈtɛnts ɪnˈʃʊərəns/
Your home is probably filled with treasures and trinkets; some might even cost a fortune. You need home contents insurance to protect against losses from theft, fire, or water damage. The insurance covers your belongings and items inside a home rather than the physical structure itself.

Household

/ˈhaʊs(h)əʊld/
Is another word you’re probably familiar with; a household typically refers to individuals living in a single residence, including family members, relatives, or others. Some insurance policies, especially health or car insurance, might offer coverage options or premiums based on the number or type of individuals in a household.

I

Illegal Use

/ɪˈliːɡl juːz/
You don’t need to be a genius to know that illegal = bad. Insurance is no different; illegal use refers to any usage of an insured item (often a car) in a manner that's against the law. Insurance policies generally exclude coverage for damages or losses from illegal activities, i.e. drag racing, using the vehicle for e-hailing services, etc.

Impact Damage

/ˈɪmpakt ˈdamɪdʒ/
When the bang isn’t coming from your car’s sound system, it’s time to call in the big dogs: a policy covering impact damage. This type of damage is a common term in vehicle insurance and happens when the insured item, such as a car or building, is hit or collided with by another object.

Inception Date

/ɪnˈsɛpʃn deɪt/
We’re not referring to when Christopher Nolan’s 2010 Action/Sci-Fi movie was released in cinemas. One’s inception date is when the insurance coverage officially starts. From this day onwards, the insurer should cover any valid claim you make about incidents after this date.

Indemnity

/ɪnˈdɛmnɪti/
A core concept in insurance is indemnity, meaning an insurer promises to make the insured client financially whole again after a loss, up to the policy's limits. It's about restoring the insured's financial position, not profiting from the claim.

Indicative

/ɪnˈdɪkətɪv/
Usually used when describing a quote’s price/amount, indicative gives a suggestive figure or a rough estimate of what something will cost. An indicative quote in insurance will provide a premium price based on basic information, but the premium could vary after a thorough assessment.

Instant Insurance

/ˈɪnst(ə)nt ɪnˈʃʊərəns/
Who has time to listen to call centre music for hours? That’s why digital insurers (a.k.a insurtechs) are committed to offering insurance in a flash. Insurance solutions are quickly processed, often digitally eliminating traditional waiting times. Insurtechs, like Pineapple, offer everything a traditional insurance provider does, but online: quotes, vehicle pre-inspection, and claims. Get a quote in just 90 seconds or less if you’re fast. The future of purchasing a policy without ever placing a phone call – unless you want one (Hey, maybe you enjoy the call centre tune. We’re not judging).

Insurable Interest

/inˈʃʊərəbəl ˈɪntrɪst/
Insurable interest exists when a person benefits, usually financially, from the continuous existence, without repairment or damage, of the insured object. The principle is you must stand to suffer a direct financial or personal loss from an event for you to insure against it. Here’s a good example: you have an insurable interest in your car but not your neighbour's.

Insurance

/ɪnˈʃʊərəns/
Basically, you're transferring the cost of a potential loss to the insurance company in return for a fee. The literal meaning of insurance is a formal agreement wherein you pay premiums to an insurance company in exchange for financial protection against unforeseen and unfortunate losses.

Insurance Nerd

/ɪnˈʃʊərəns nəːd/
We’re not name-calling or being mean; ‘insurance nerd’ is an actual thing. It’s a colloquial term describing someone who's super knowledgeable or enthusiastic about the ins and outs of insurance. You'd go to them for detailed queries or discussions about policies, coverage, and claims. Did you know they also have a day in honour of them? Insurance Nerd Day is every 18th of July.

Insurance Policy

/ɪnˈʃʊərəns ˈpɒlɪsi/
If you know what ‘insurance’ is and what a ‘policy’ is, then you know what an insurance policy is. An insurance policy is your contract with an insurance provider outlining what's covered, under what conditions, and for how much. It's the detailed document that holds all the specifics of your coverage.

Insured

/ɪnˈʃʊəd/
Consider yourself successfully insured when your property or other entities are protected under an active contract. As an insured individual, you can claim compensation from the insurance provider if and when a specified event (like an accident or theft) occurs.

Insurer

/ɪnˈʃʊərə/
According to our compliance officer, there is a difference between an insurer and an insurance provider (who knew?). An insurer refers to a licensed and authorised company that underwrites insurance policies. ‘Insurance provider’ is a broad term encompassing a wider range of entities. It can refer to companies that sell insurance policies, even if they are not the actual insurer themselves.

J

Jurisdiction

/ˌdʒʊərɪsˈdɪkʃn/
When we discuss jurisdiction in the insurance space, this probably pertains to the jurisdiction limits stated in your policy documents. The insurance coverage applies to these territories, countries, or geographical regions. This lets you know that your policy might only cover incidents within a particular area.

K

Key Replacement

/kiː rɪˈpleɪsm(ə)nt/
Key replacement is another neat little insurance coverage benefit. It usually compensates for the cost or replacement of the insured vehicle's key if it’s lost, damaged, or stolen.

L

Lapse

/laps/
A lapse in insurance is when an insurance policy is no longer active. This primarily happens due to non-payment of one’s premiums within the grace period. When a policy lapses, you no longer have coverage. If you wish to be covered again, you might need to reapply or reinstate the policy (at the risk of possibly facing higher premiums or rejection).

Liability

/ˌlʌɪəˈbɪlɪti/
Liability is the responsibility one bears for causing harm to another person or their property. Certain insurance providers offer liability coverage, which protects against claims resulting from injuries or damage to people or property where the insured is deemed legally responsible.

Limit

/ˈlɪmɪt/
Like many things, insurance has limitations. The limit is the highest amount an insurer is willing to pay for a claim. Insurance policies usually have different limits for various coverages, and as the insured, you may be liable to pay any expenses exceeding this limit.

Loss

/lɒs/
In insurance, loss is the financial harm or damage due to insured events like accidents, natural disasters, or even theft. When an individual submits a claim on their insurance, they seek compensation for a loss they've incurred.

M

Maintenance

/ˈmeɪnt(ɪ)nəns/
The regular care, repair, or upkeep of an asset or property to keep it functional is called maintenance. Most insurance policies typically don't cover damages due to poor maintenance; insurance often covers sudden and accidental damages.

Malicious Damage

/məˈlɪʃəs ˈdamɪdʒ/
Malicious damage is a person's intentional destruction of property (e.g. deliberate acts meant to harm, like vandalism) without the property owner's consent.

Market Value

/ˌmɑːkɪt ˈvaljuː/
One of three insurance triples (retail, trade and market value), the market value represents the current estimated price at which an asset would sell in the present-day market. In vehicle insurance it's the amount you might expect to receive if you sell your car, considering its age and current condition.

Mother Nature

/ˈmʌðə ˈneɪtʃə/
Weather, nature and natural disasters. Damages caused by 'acts of Mother Nature' include floods, hail, earthquakes, and other natural disasters. Depending on the policy, some of these events might be covered, while others might be exclusions.

N

Natural Disasters

/ˈnatʃ(ə)rəl dɪˈzɑːstəz/
Similar to Mother Nature, natural disasters are catastrophic events nature brings, like hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, and wildfires. They have the power to cause unspeakable damage to property, vehicles, etc. Some policies cover natural disasters, while others might require a separate policy.

Negligence

/ˈnɛɡlɪdʒ(ə)ns/
There are different degrees of negligence. Standard negligence is covered by insurance, in fact it is the purpose that insurance is based on. However, gross negligence, which is a reckless disregard for safety, is typically not covered by the insurer and can result in declined claims. If a policyholder is deemed negligent, depending on the severity, they could be liable for damages, and the insurer could reject their claim

Nominated Driver

/noˈmuh·nay·tuhd ˈdrʌɪvə/
Unlike the popular American TV show Survivor, getting nominated in insurance is good. It means a person specified on an insurance policy as a primary or regular user of the insured vehicle. They can use the car, along with the main driver, and enjoy the policy’s benefits.

O

100% Pure Insurance

/wʌn ˈhʌndrəd pjʊə ɪnˈʃʊərəns/
Insurance as it should be: instant, affordable, and beyond comprehensive. There are no added extras to complicate our product – it’s everything you need, nothing you don’t: you can get your valuables insured in just 30 seconds and your car in 2 minutes (40 times faster than the traditional process of insuring). Plus, we don’t hide behind confusing jargon; our insurance is so simple that anyone could do it in a snap

Ombudsman

/ˈɒmbʊdzmən/
Every insurance provider’s worst nightmare and every insured client’s sweetest dream. Just kidding. An insurance ombudsman is more like a mediator, helping to resolve disputes between policyholders and insurance companies by providing a resolution without requiring lengthy or expensive legal proceedings.

Open Driver Policy

/ˈəʊp(ə)n ˈdrʌɪvə ˈpɒlɪsi/
Come one, come all: A policy of this nature allows multiple people to drive a vehicle without specifying each individual as a nominated driver on the policy. The catch? The policyholder must first give their permission, the other driver should have a valid South African licence and be above 18. This means flexibility for big families with multiple drivers or businesses with company cars.

Other Drivers

/ˈʌðə ˈdrʌɪvəz/
This definition refers to individuals who drive the insured vehicle but aren’t listed as a primary nor a nominated driver on the policy.

Other No-No’s

/ˈʌðə ˈnəʊnəʊ/
“No-no’s” are what you can consider your coverage exclusions, which every insurance provider has in place (because, believe it or not, not everyone has the best intentions). So, engaging in forbidden actions, behaviours, or conditions or those restricted under the terms of an insurance policy may invalidate a claim or even the policy itself. An example of exclusions would be fraud, misrepresentation and misuse of the vehicle.

Overinsurance/ Overinsured

/ˈəʊvə ɪnˈʃʊərəns or ˈəʊvə ɪnˈʃʊəd/
A situation in which the value of the insured item is much lower than the insurance coverage is referred to as over-insurance. In other words, the insurance coverage is more than necessary or required.

P

Passenger Liability Cover

/ˈpas(ɪ)n(d)ʒə ˌlʌɪəˈbɪlɪti ˈkʌvə/
This insurance protects drivers and their passengers if an accident results in bodily injury or even death on South Africa’s roads. This cover ensures that the medical and potential legal fees are handled, safeguarding you from financial strain.

Period of Insurance (“POI”)

/ˈpɪərɪəd ɒv ɪnˈʃʊərəns/
The specific time frame during which an insurance policy is active is called the period of insurance. Starting from the effective or inception date and ending on the expiry date, you’re covered according to the terms laid out in the policy document.

Personal Liability Cover

/ˈpəːsən(ə)l ˌlʌɪəˈbɪlɪti ˈkʌvə/
Insurance protection is designed to offer protection if you are found legally responsible for unintentional injuries or damages to another person or their property. However, personal liability coverage may also be able to cover an incident that occurs outside your home or property.

Pineapple

/ˈpʌɪnˌapl/
Popularly known as the pineapple, the ananas comosus – wait, that’s the fruit. Pineapple is a South African insurance provider using technology to simplify insurance processes. We offer quick quotes, speedy claims processing, and transparency in premium allocations.

Pineapple Auto Crash Detect

/ˈpʌɪnˌapl ɔːtəʊ kraʃ dɪˈtɛkt/
Pineapple member or not, this service is meant to be used by all. Crash Detect is like your personal intelligent automated SOS beacon that’s activated after you've been involved in an accident. It uses your phone to sense if you’ve been involved in a crash, then alerts your elected emergency contacts with your location.

Pineapple Community Feed

/ˈpʌɪnˌapl kəˈmjuːnɪti fiːd/
Your first thought might’ve been a soup kitchen or lunch with friends, but that’s not what community feed refers to. It’s a frequently updated platform or forum where users can engage with one another, compare experiences and share insights in one place.

Pineapple Juice

/ˈpʌɪnˌapl joos/
Pineapple Juice is our rewards programme that offers a potential premium refund at the end of each Pineapple Year. It's designed to reward our community of policyholders for good risk management and contributing positively to the community's overall performance.

Policy

/ˈpɒlɪsi/
A legal contract between an insurance company or provider and the insured client/person. It outlines the insurance coverage details, including what is and isn’t covered, premium and excess amounts and the policy’s duration.

Policy Expiry Date

/ˈpɒlɪsi ɪkˈspʌɪəri deɪt/
The policy expiry date is, as it suggests, the exact date when an insurance policy ends. If you don’t renew, you will no longer be under coverage from the day following this date.

Policy Renewal

/ˈpɒlɪsi rɪˈnjuːəl/
Nothing lasts forever, but everything old can be made new again, and the same goes for your policy. With insurance, you can continue your protection after your current policy term ends. This process of extending the agreement, with newly updated terms and even premiums, is called a policy renewal.

Policy Term

/ˈpɒlɪsi təːm/
Nothing lasts forever, and the policy term reminds you of the duration of your insurance agreement. It is the lifespan of your insurance, beginning on the effective date (when the policy is activated and coverage kicks in) and concluding on the expiry date.

Policyholder

/ˈpɒlɪsɪˌhəʊldə/
The person or individual who owns a specific insurance policy, enters into the policy contract, and has an insurable interest in the asset(s) on the cover is the policyholder.

Portable Items

/ˈpɔːtəbl ˈʌɪtɪmz/
Those easily carried or moved items, like cameras, clothing, laptops and jewellery, are often covered under personal property or contents insurance. Some insurance policies offer special provisions to protect such items at home and while travelling

Power Surge

/ˈpaʊə səːdʒ/
The sudden and brief increase in electrical power, usually damaging electronic devices or electrical systems. Power surges are commonly caused by the flow of electricity being interrupted, then starting again, or when something sends the electricity back into the system.

Pre-existing Damage

/ˈpriː ɡˈzɪstɪŋ ˈdamɪdʒ/
Any damages or issues that your car already has or sustained before the start date of an insurance policy. Most insurers exclude coverage for pre-existing damage, so they might insist on conducting a pre-inspection for items like cars before issuing a policy.

Pre-inspection

/priː ɪnˈspɛkʃn/
Before insuring your vehicle, most insurance providers will require an assessment to check its condition to identify pre-existing damages. You can physically take the item to an inspection centre of your insurer’s choosing or capture photos or a video and submit them to your insurer.

Premium

/ˈpriːmɪəm/
Insurance protection comes at a cost, usually a premium. Clients typically pay this fee to their insurer monthly, quarterly, or yearly. In return for handing over your hard-earned cash, your insurer protects against specific risks as laid out in your policy.

Premium Renewal

/ˈpriːmɪəm rɪˈnjuːəl/
To keep the policy up and running and have continuous enjoyment of the coverage benefits, you’ll have to renew your premium payment for continued coverage once the existing term is almost at its end.

Premium Summary

/ˈpriːmɪəm ˈsʌməri/
Lifting the veil on the insurance policy mystery is a little thing called a premium summary. It provides a detailed breakdown of the costs associated with your insurance policy.

Pro-rata

/prəʊ ˈrɑːtə/
A Latin term meaning “in proportion” and in insurance, this describes a refund or payment method where amounts are calculated based on the exact number of days coverage was provided. So, should you happen to cancel your policy halfway, you may get a pro-rata refund for the days you went without coverage.

Proof of Insurance

/pruːf ɒv ɪnˈʃʊərəns/
A document, card or even a windshield sticker from your insurer confirming your valid insurance. This is especially important for car insurance as many regions require drivers to carry proof of insurance with them.

Proof of Ownership

/pruːf ɒv ˈəʊnəʃɪp/
Any evidence proving ownership of an item. This could be a receipt, picture, or any other document verifying your ownership. It's crucial when making claims, especially for stolen or lost items.

Q

Qualifying Event

/ˈkwɒlɪfʌɪɪŋ ɪˈvɛnt/
Any notable change or significant life event that affects your insurance premiums is called a qualifying event. This could be purchasing a new vehicle, adding another driver to your existing policy or moving to a new neighbourhood.

Quote

/kwəʊt/
Based on the information you provide an insurance company/provider and the level of coverage you select, they offer you a quote. In insurance, a quote can be defined as an estimation of the amount you’ll pay in monthly premiums. Insurers factor in the car’s make and model, your driving history, location, and the desired coverage limits.

R

Retail Value

/ˈriːteɪl ˈvaljuː/
A vehicle’s retail value is 1) the price a retailer asks for the item, 2) the price you paid for the goods or 3) the estimated price a car dealership would sell a similar vehicle for in the current market. In car insurance, the retail value is often used to determine the payout amount in case of a total loss claim.

Rewards

/rɪˈwɔːds/
Insurance providers have stepped up significantly; you’re not just getting protection for your car, but they’ve sweetened the deal by rewarding you for taking up coverage. Rewards are incentives or added benefits for good driving behaviour, loyalty, or meeting specific criteria. This mainly comes in discounts, cash back, or other perks.

S

SASRIA

/sazˈrɪə/
South African Special Risk Insurance Association (or SASRIA, for short) is a state-owned entity and the only short-term insurer providing unique cover to asset-owning individuals and businesses in South Africa. SASRIA protects your insured valuables against damage caused by civil commotion, war, public disorder, strikes, riots and terrorism.

Short-term Insurance

/ˌʃɔːtˈtəːm ɪnˈʃʊərəns/
A policy offering protection for your assets and liabilities for a short duration, typically 12 months, is known as short-term insurance. It’s designed to temporarily safeguard your items against loss or damage when a covered event occurs, i.e. theft, weather-related damage, or any other loss. Car insurance is an example of short-term insurance since the policy usually lasts for a year and is up for renewal.

Subrogation

/ˌsʌbrəˈɡeɪʃn/
Subrogation is the assumption by a third party of another party's legal right to collect debts or damages. Simply put, an insurance provider has the legal right to pursue a third party that caused and is found responsible for your loss. After settling your claim, your insurer can request reimbursement from the responsible party.

Sum Insured

/sʌm ɪnˈʃʊəd/
The sum insured refers to the maximum amount an insurance provider pays during a claim, as set out in the policy document. So, for car insurance, this is the total coverage amount for the vehicle, personal injury, or third-party damages.

T

U

V

W

Z

Telematics Device

/tɛlɪˈmatɪks dɪˈvʌɪs/
The device installed in a vehicle that monitors and records data like driving behaviour, speed, and distance is called a telematics device. Insurers might use this data to provide personalised premiums or offer rewards based on safe driving.

Terms and Conditions

/təːmz (ə)n(d) kənˈdɪʃnz/
Also referred to as T’s and C’s (T&C’s) for short, or Terms of Service (ToS), these are the detailed rules and guidelines an insurer sets regarding the coverage, exclusions, and conditions under which they will provide insurance services. Terms and Conditions can also be a general disclaimer, especially in mobile apps and online websites.

Theft

/θɛft/
Theft is the loss or damage of unlawfully taking someone’s property. Policies like comprehensive coverage or third-party fire and theft cover and compensate for this peril should the policyholder's car be stolen.

Third-party Accidental Loss

/ˌθəːd ˈpɑːti ˌaksɪˈdɛntl lɒs/
The unintentional damage or loss you cause to a third party’s property with your insured vehicle.

Third-party Liability Cover

/ˌθəːd ˈpɑːti ˌlʌɪəˈbɪlɪti kʌvə/
This policy protects you by providing coverage for damages or injuries caused to a third party or their property by your driving. However, it does not cover damages to your vehicle, meaning you’d have to pay for these costs from your own pocket

To-Do List

/təˈduː lɪst/
A list of tasks or actions that need to be completed, mainly in the context of the steps required during an insurance claim or policy renewal process. For example, most car insurance providers will require you to provide them with a pre-inspection to prove what condition the vehicle is in before your coverage begins.

Total Loss

/ˈtəʊtl lɒs/
A total loss happens when an insured item is damaged to the point of total ruin and can neither be repaired nor replaced. This is because the repair cost is higher than its insured value or when it's stolen and not recovered. In car insurance, a total loss can also be referred to as a ‘write-off’; when this happens, insurers usually pay out the car's retail or agreed value.

Tracker

/ˈtrakə/
Unlike a telematics device, a tracker/tracking device is installed in a vehicle and uses GPS technology to locate and track the car. It helps recover a stolen vehicle and is sometimes required by insurance companies for high-risk vehicles.

Trade-in Value

/ˈtreɪdɪn ˈvaljuː/
The trade-in value is when you sell an item at a reduced price by giving your old/used one, plus money, as a form of payment. In the case of cars, the amount a car dealer agrees to pay out towards purchasing a new vehicle in exchange for the old one is its trade-in value.

TransUnion

/tranzˈjuːnɪən/
TransUnion is one of the major credit reporting agencies that collects and aggregates information on over one billion individual consumers in over thirty countries, including "credit scores. They serve consumers and businesses through several operating divisions, namely: Credit Bureau, Analytic and Decisioning Services, and Auto Information Solutions, as well as its network of local subsidiaries throughout the African continent.

Transparency

/tranˈsparənsi/
We use clear and plain language, making your purchasing process a breeze. Additionally, most people have no idea where their premium goes and what it is used for – we’ve changed that! We share the activity from our community in a way that’s easy to understand but still sensitive to personal information!

Underinsurance

/ˌʌndərɪnˈʃʊərəns/
Underinsurance is when a policy has insufficient insurance coverage. This is when coverage is lower than the item(s) value or potential loss. If a claim is made and approved, the payout might not cover the full extent of the damage or loss due to the insurance gap.

Underwritten/ Underwriting

/ˌʌndəˈrɪtɪn or ˌʌndəˈrɪtɪŋ/
Underwriting assesses the risk that you, a business, or an item poses. Using this assessment, insurance providers decide the terms and cost of the coverage. So, when a policy is said to be "underwritten," it means it has gone through such an evaluation process

Uninsured

/ˌʌnɪnˈʃʊəd/
A person, item, or risk that doesn't have insurance coverage is considered as being uninsured. In the context of motor insurance, "uninsured" relates to drivers who operate vehicles without mandatory liability insurance, often putting others at financial risk in the event of an accident.

Use

/juːz/
In car insurance, "use" refers to how a vehicle is primarily operated or for what purpose. It can range from personal use, commuting, business use, or commercial use, and the type of use can affect insurance rates.

Validation

/ˌvalɪˈdeɪʃn/
Validation is confirming whether the information provided for insurance coverage is accurate and complete; this could be for a claim you’ve submitted on your policy, for example. A validation process can also include checking driving records or the vehicle's condition.

Vandalism

/ˈvandəlɪz(ə)m/
Vandalism is the deliberate destruction or defacement of a person’s property, including vehicles, by another individual without their consent. This peril is almost always covered by most insurance providers offering comprehensive coverage.

Vehicle Accessories

/ˈviːɪkl kˈsɛs(ə)riez/
Most cars come with standard features from manufacturers, so any additional parts or equipment not included in the standard vehicle package are considered accessories. They’re typically fitted to enhance comfort, appearance or performance, e.g. high-end sound systems and custom mag wheels. Vehicle accessories often require separate coverage or declaration to be included in a policy.

Void

/vɔɪd/
Void means no longer legal, without legal effect or unenforceable. A policy is considered void if cancelled, invalidated, or nullified. Common grounds for a policy to be void are if the policyholder is found to have committed fraud, if the terms are violated, or if premiums are not paid, among other reasons.

Warranty

/ˈwɒrənti/
In car insurance, a warranty is a guarantee by the manufacturer or dealer, promising to repair or replace defective vehicle components if they break or fail within a specified period. Most insurance policies don’t cover this peril, as it’s considered normal wear and tear, but some insurance products might offer warranty-like coverage for mechanical breakdowns.

Wear and Tear

/wɛː (ə)n(d) tɛː/
The gradual damage a vehicle experiences over time due to regular use rather than sudden and accidental damage is known as wear and tear. It’s commonly excluded from most policies because it's considered a part of routine vehicle maintenance and not an unforeseen event.

Window and Windscreen Repair

/ˈwɪndəʊ (ə)n(d) ˈwɪn(d)skriːn rɪˈpɛː/
This forms part of the insurance policy; you can recoup the cost of replacing the glass or repairing what's damaged at a lower excess amount. Some policies offer coverage specifically for repairing minor chips and cracks in the car's windows and windscreen without affecting your no-claims bonus

Windscreen and Window

/ˈwɪn(d)skriːn (ə)n(d) ˈwɪndəʊ/
The windscreen and window are the glass components of a motor vehicle; the windscreen (or windshield) is the front glass panel that protects the driver and passengers from wind, debris, and other external factors, while the window refers to the side and back glass panels. Damage to these parts is usually covered under comprehensive policies, but specifics can vary based on the insurer.

Write off/Written off

/rʌɪt ɒf or rʌɪtɪn ɒf/
The term write off, or to have something written off, refers to when an insurer determines that the cost to repair a car after an accident is greater than the vehicle's actual value. So, the insurance company will pay you the vehicle's determined value instead of paying for repairs.

‘Zzz’

Hear that? That’s the sound of someone sleeping peacefully, something all Pineapple members do after taking out an insurance policy with us. And with comprehensive coverage starting from as little as *R19 per day, it’s no wonder thousands of South Africans sleep soundly knowing the fairest insurance provider in the country protects them.