About 12 million registered vehicles are in South Africa, and only two-thirds are uninsured.
If you were to get into an accident, there’s a 70% chance the other driver won’t have a policy to compensate you for any damages or loss. This means you may be stuck with an expensive panelbeater bill for an accident that may not even be your fault!
Thankfully, car insurance companies in South Africa aren’t hard to come by.
Why Look Beyond Pineapple for Car Insurance?
SA’s short-term insurance industry is rife with competition, which is excellent news for you! More competition means insurance providers will try to outdo each other by offering cheaper premiums, better benefits, and improved customer service.
And insurtech companies like Pineapple are making it more affordable by charging as little as R19-ish* daily for comprehensive cover.
Benefits include accidental damage, theft protection, 3rd party liability and car hire.
But what are other insurance providers offering? Are there really alternatives to Pineapple’s car insurance?
Tired of Traditional Insurance? Discover Pineapple’s Modern Approach to Cover.
TL;DR – Our version of “I’m not reading all that, *SparkNotes pls.”
- Pineapple is South Africa’s leading digital-first insurance provider. We are known for our all-channel insurance experience, simplicity, and unique monthly cashback refund (“Drive Less, Get Blessed”) for low mileage.
- We offer digital, online, and app-driven experiences for car insurance quotes (in 90 seconds), policy management, and claims—the ultimate convenience at your fingertips.
- Pineapple’s fully comprehensive car insurance covers hijackings, accidental/malicious damage, weather-related damage, and third-party liability from just R19-ish a day.
- Alternatives to Pineapple include King Price for its affordability and OUTsurance for its cash refund rewards programme.
- For modern convenience, monthly rewards, and true transparency in how your insurance works, Pineapple is the standout choice for your car insurance needs.
Pineapple: South Africa’s Digital-First Insurance Disruptor
Pineapple is a South African insurance provider and insurtech company known for its digital-first, multi-channel approach. Our aim is to make short-term insurance accessible, affordable, and honest by making it possible to get a quote via our app, through our website, over the phone or on WhatsApp.
Key Features of Pineapple’s Car Insurance
- Instant Coverage. Quotes take 90 seconds, and you can buy a policy in under 5 minutes.
- Comprehensive Protection. Pineapple’s insurance is fully comprehensive, protecting against theft and hijackings, accidental and malicious damage, third-party liability, and weather-related damage.
- Drive Less Get Blessed. Motorists who travel 300 km or less can get up to 30% of their premiums refunded as cash.
- Open Driver Policy. Pineapple’s comprehensive car insurance allows you to have a second driver without formally noting or declaring them in your policy. The driver should be 18+, have a valid South African driver’s licence, and have the policyholder’s permission to use the vehicle.
- Digital Pre-Inspection. After purchasing a policy, you can complete your vehicle’s pre-inspection using the Pineapple app, all from the comfort of your home.
- Multi-car Discount. If your household has more than one car (again, so jealous), Pineapple gives you a discount for insuring multiple vehicles under one policy.
Stop Guessing, Start Saving. See Your Monthly Cashback Potential with Pineapple!
The Cost of Cover: What It Costs to Insure Your Car With Pineapple
Here’s an example of what it would cost to insure a 2022 Suzuki Swift GL with Pineapple:
|
Excess Amount |
Estimated Premium Price |
‘Drive Less Get Blessed’ |
Amount Saved With DL,GB |
|
R2,000 |
R1,158.39 |
R823.04 |
R335.35 |
|
R4,500 |
R1,050.59 |
R746.50 |
R304.09 |
|
R6,200 |
R882.51 |
R627.17 |
R255.34 |
|
R8,100 |
R861.78 |
R612.45 |
R249.33 |
|
R12,750 |
R790.42 |
R561.78 |
R228.64 |
|
R17,900 |
R712.37 |
R506.37 |
R206 |
*Premiums are accurate as of 30 July 2025 and are risk profile dependent.
Car insurance premiums can vary greatly based on your individual risk profile. This typically includes your age, location, insurance history, and the vehicle’s retail value.
Who It’s Best For
- Pineapple’s comprehensive cover is best for tech-savvy individuals who prefer to manage their own insurance policy with ease.
- First-time car insurance buyers with limited car insurance knowledge can feel at home with Pineapple’s simple processes, which can make insurance less intimidating.
- People who work from home, live close to work, or barely use their car because they have another (so jealous) can benefit from the Drive Less Get Blessed benefit, which gives you up to a 30% cash refund for driving under 300 km monthly.
- Budget-conscious buyers will enjoy Pineapple’s affordable premiums, added benefits and cash refund, while safety-minded people will appreciate the comprehensive protection.
Pineapple has also been named South Africa’s top-rated car insurer according to Google reviews. It is the only insurance provider with a positive rating of 4.6/5 stars. This high number of reviews reflects a large, satisfied client base.
Experience Insurance That’s Built for You. Download the Pineapple App Today!
King Price: The ‘Premium-That-Drops’ Car Insurance
Like Pineapple, King Price also prides itself on making insurance less intimidating and more user-friendly. Promising “Simple, cheap insurance, backed up by royal service… Since 2012!” King Prince Insurance hails itself as the king of all short-term insurance.
Key Features of King Price’s Car Insurance
- Monthly Decreasing Premiums. King Price promises to decrease car insurance premiums monthly, aligning it with your car’s decreasing value.
- R1 Insurance. Comprehensive car insurance owners can insure portable items like cellphones, bicycles, and even golf clubs for just R1.
How Is King Price an Alternative to Pineapple’s Insurance?
King Price appeals to a similar demographic of tech-savvy insurance buyers who value affordability and convenience. Like Pineapple, King Price offers discounted premiums when you insure multiple cars under one policy. Lastly, Pineapple rewards low mileage driving, while King Price rewards your car’s natural depreciation.
OUTsurance: Rewards-Driven Cover With Broad Options
OUTsurance is a household name known for its competitive pricing and commitment to customer service. Famous for their OUTbonus, OUTsurance caters to various clients by emphasising rewards for responsible policyholders.
Key Features of OUTsurance’s Car Insurance
- Essential Car Insurance. Affordable, tailored insurance for unfinanced vehicles over five years old and worth less than R130 000.
- Motor Warranty Insurance. Cover the costs of repairing your OUTsured vehicle following a sudden or unexpected mechanical or electrical breakdown.
How Is OUTsurance an Alternative to Pineapple’s Insurance?
OUTsurance also offers comprehensive car insurance, protecting your car against accidents, theft, hijackings, fire and weather-related damage. Like Pineapple’s Drive Less Get Blessed up to 30% cash refund, OUTsurance’s OUTbonus gives you 10% of your paid insurance premiums back in cash.
Compare Premiums Across Car Insurance Companies
Understanding what each insurance provider’s policy entails is one thing. Another, more important, consideration is the cost of cover.
Here’s a snapshot comparison of Pineapple and other top car insurance companies in South Africa:
|
Feature |
Pineapple |
King Price |
OUTsurance |
|
Ave. Starting Premium |
R459 |
R 327 |
** |
|
Excess |
R6,200 |
R5,500 |
R6,190 |
|
Unique Feature |
30% Cash refund for driving under 300 km |
Premium decreases monthly as your car loses value |
10% Cashback for 3 consecutive claim-free years |
**Information was unavailable at the time of writing.
We enlisted the help of a 35-year-old driving a 2017 Volkswagen Move Up! 1.0. 5 DR to get quotes from Pineapple, King Price and OUTsurance. Here’s what they’d pay for car cover with each insurance provider:
Pineapple’s Comprehensive Car Insurance
Monthly Insurance Premium: R305 p/m
Car Insurance Excess: R4,500
Stand-out Feature: Drive Less Get Blessed, which is a cashback benefit that gives you up to 30% of your premiums back when you drive 300 k/m or less in a month.
King Price’s Comprehensive Car Insurance
Monthly Insurance Premium: R554.85 p/m
Car Insurance Excess: R6,500
Stand-out Feature: Decreasing monthly premiums based on your car’s depreciation rate.
OUTsurance’s Comprehensive Car Insurance
Monthly Insurance Premium: R497.22 p/m
Car Insurance Excess: R3,000
Stand-out Feature: Decreasing monthly premiums based on your car’s depreciation rate.
Knowing how much you’d pay in insurance premiums allows you to budget and plan your finances, because there’s nothing worse than thinking you have more money than you actually do.
Compare Your Options, Choose the Best. Insure Your Car with Pineapple Now!
FAQs About Pineapple and Other Car Insurance Companies
Is Pineapple cheaper than King Price?
Pineapple offers affordable, comprehensive car insurance from just R19-ish* a day, and the Drive Less Get Blessed benefit rewards low-mileage drivers. King Price promises decreasing premiums for every month you’re insured. The best way to determine who offers the cheapest car insurance premiums is to compare quotes directly. Insurers sometimes even offer discounts, meaning you could save even more on monthly car insurance premiums.
Which car insurer has the best app in South Africa?
The Pineapple app holds a 4.6/5 star rating on Google’s Play Store (from 4.16 thousand reviews) and has over 100,000 downloads. Pineapple’s mobile app allows policyholders to do everything from quotes to claims to be handled seamlessly on their phone.
Can I get cashback on unused premiums?
The term “unused premiums” implies a refund for services that weren’t rendered, but that’s not how insurance works. Your insurance premiums are used to provide coverage. So, even if you don’t suffer a covered event (an accident, your car is stolen or written off), your coverage is still active; you still benefit from your policy’s insurance protection service, regardless of whether you submit a claim. But, Pineapple’s Drive Less Get Blessed benefit allows you to get a cash refund of up to 30% each time you drive 300 km or less in a month.
Making the Right Car Insurance Choice for You
Car insurance isn’t a luxury; it’s necessary for keeping your ride on the road. But, today’s economic climate makes it tough for the average SA motorist to afford the cost of an accident.
Covering the cost of damage or a complete vehicle write-off can be financially devastating without car insurance. This is especially true when your repair costs are compounded by the damage caused to another party’s vehicle.
That’s why you should get insurance that fits your budget and provides the coverage you need or want.
If you enjoy managing your policy from the comfort of your home, Pineapple is the best car insurance in South Africa for you. Bonus points if you barely drive; you can get up to 30% of your premiums back!
Ready to secure your personalised Pineapple policy?
- Get a comprehensive car insurance quote.
- Pineapple’s comprehensive car insurance policy.
- Read Pineapple’s reviews.
Please note: The information provided above is for informational purposes only; you should not construe any such information as legal or financial advice.
Pineapple (FSP 48650) is underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Insure Limited, a licensed Non-Life Insurer and authorised FSP. T&Cs apply.