TL;DR - Our version of "I'm not reading all that, *SparkNotes pls.
- Read Pineapple’s 10 fictitious Halloween stories because the best lessons are taught from literature. Learn about the horrors of being uninsured during 2024’s spooky season.
- Insurance perils covered include theft, accidental damage, weather-related damage and third-party collisions.
- Drive with confidence, knowing you're protected by Pineapple’s fully comprehensive cover. Policies include 24/7 roadside assistance, third-party cover worth R5 million and up to 30% of your premiums back.
Calling all guys and ghouls…
In Halloween 2023, we looked at car insurance for 10 iconic and spooky rides. This year, peer into the paranormal insurance stories that will leave you more than a little spooked.
Because of all the horrors a motorist can face, nothing is scarier than getting caught without a comprehensive policy.
From haunted highways to deserted driveways, these 10 Halloween-inspired stories will have you reaching for your phone… to get a car insurance quote with Pineapple.
Hold on to your broomsticks and hats, we’re going in.
Paranormal Activities and the Perils of the Road
Car insurance is a lot like wearing a skeleton costume—predictable and not the most exciting attraction at the ghoulish get-down.
But, every once in a while, things can get… interesting.
Much like the following terrifying tales of what could happen when motorists don’t have the protection of comprehensive coverage on their side.
1. Insurance peril: Chipped windscreen
“A small crack in Fatima’s windscreen sets off a terrifying chain of events. As repairs pile up, she feels someone—or something—watching her. Is it just stress, or is there a darker force at play?” – Click-Clack, A Glass Act!
Even the tiniest windscreen chip can impair a driver’s vision, making it difficult to see other motorists, pedestrians and even road signs, thus increasing the risk of an accident.
Furthermore, a minor inconvenience can become a major headache, all because of a little thing called procrastination.
Have you been putting off getting quotes for your car’s insurance? Understandable. It’s a tedious process, one that Pineapple has shortened to a mere 90-second exercise.
So, unless you want to be in Fatima’s shoes or behind her cracked windscreen, we’d suggest finally pulling the trigger on that quote.
Our cover includes windscreen and windshield repairs for an excess amount of R1,250, which is less than the standard excess fee of R6,200. Which is a small price to pay, all things considered.
2. Insurance peril: Accidental damage
“Melokuhle was the luckiest girl in the world... until she wasn't. First, a bumper bash. Then, a single-vehicle accident. Last week, a head-on collision. It wasn’t long before Melokuhle realised something was watching her, willing her to make a mistake. And it wouldn't stop until she paid for what she’d done.” – Crash course.
Bad accidents happen to good drivers, it’s just the way the wheel turns. And when that happens, the only thing standing between you and total financial ruin is car insurance.
Sorry, that was extremely dramatic but true and here’s why…
Ask anyone with a car how much vehicle ownership is, and they’ll all say the same thing: cars cost money, like a lot of it. Between monthly instalments, car maintenance, petrol top-ups and parking tickets, the fees can add up.
Now, imagine the bitter feeling of still paying these fees without even having the car in your possession. One small write-off could be your reality.
If you’ve fully paid off your car, you’re not entirely free from this burden either. You’d still have to pool together funds to replace your ride.
But, if you’re insured with Pineapple, our shortfall cover will ensure you’re not left doing any of the financial heavy lifting alone.
Shortfall cover pays the difference between your car’s insured (retail) value and the outstanding balance you owe to your finance house, ensuring you're never out of pocket.
3. Insurance peril: Theft
“Cars are vanishing in Johannesburg. No forced entry. No clues. One moment they’re there, the next—gone. Is it the work of a slick thief or something far more dangerous?” – Finder’s Keepers.
Falling victim to a hijacking or a stolen car is devastating; just ask Pippa (who used to work at Pineapple)—it happened to her THRICE.
So, who will be there to help you pick up the pieces should someone decide to relieve you of your vehicle ownership duties?
Pineapple’s affordable comprehensive car insurance, which includes theft coverage, of course.
So, while we can’t prevent sticky fingers from latching onto your car, our policy will help you get back on your feet after a vehicle theft.
With Pineapple, your car is insured for its full retail value, which is the amount a commercial retailer or dealer would sell it for. This means that the amount you’ll receive after claiming a stolen car should be enough to help you pay for a new vehicle of the same kind.
4. Insurance peril: Vandalism
“Pine Valley Estate has a problem. Slashed tyres, shattered windows—someone, or something, is wreaking havoc. The police are stumped, and security always seems to arrive too little too late. Can anyone stop the chaos before it gets worse?” – Creature of Chaos.
Passion can take many forms. Sometimes, it looks like a long, deep scratch on your car’s pristine paint job.
An act of vandalism, defined as the intentional defacing of someone’s property, can happen in your driveway, at the grocery store parking lot or, anywhere really.
Some of the most common acts of auto vandalism typically include:
- Slashed or damaged tyres
- Broken windows, headlights, or taillights
- Spray paint damage
- Dents or scratches from someone keying your car
- Putting sugar or other substances into your gas tank
Was it a scorned lover? A jilted former friend? A disgruntled coworker?
Either way, someone’s ill feelings toward you can leave your car caught in the middle of a nasty fight.
But with the right insurance cover, a.k.a. Pineapple’s (please get a quote RIGHT NOW), vandals may win the fight but never the war. We’ll pay for the repair fees incurred as a result of this deliberate destruction.
But before that, here’s what to do if your car is vandalised:
- Evaluate the damage, and check for potential theft of any items in the vehicle.
- Take photos of the vehicle. The police will likely do this, too, but it’s also a good idea to have your own proof and take inventory of damaged, lost or stolen items.
- Contact the SAPS, ASAP. Promptly filing a police report will help speed up the process of catching the culprit while officially documenting the damage.
- Contact your insurance provider. If you have an active insurance policy, which only about 30% of South African motorists do, your insurer will help you file an insurance claim to recoup and recover your losses.
- If there is surveillance footage or any witnesses gather the evidence and contact details so they can be used when opening a case.
5. Insurance peril: Hail
“Once the most popular kid, Ruan was starting to feel invisible. So he borrowed his uncle's brand new Rolls-Royce for the matric dance. But a violent hailstorm threatens to wreck his plan—and the R6 million car. Will he brave the storm or stay home and miss the night of his life?” – Come Hail or High Water.
Rowdy Ruan has ruined the ride. Unfortunately, even a Pineapple policy can’t save him; we only insure vehicles with a retail value of a maximum of R1.3 million… for now.
But let’s pretend we could cover the car; how would that work?
Well, as part of our comprehensive cover, we insure against weather-related perils, including hail.
Those tiny icy pebbles can actually do a lot of damage.
According to Autotrader, the cost to repair a shallow car dent, roughly the size of an R5 coin, starts from R550. Hail damage might be cheaper to fix by replacing the entire panel, costing from R3000 upwards.”
And it doesn’t end there.
“Scratch repair costs depend on their depth and location. Deep corner scratches on the bumper can cost around R1800, but redoing the entire bumper can set you back around R4000. Minor issues like scratches and chips on the mirror-caps start from R600.”
Having insurance that provides cover against hail means having financial assistance when it comes time to repair the body, windscreen and windows.
6. Insurance peril: Animal collisions
“Chaos has hit the countryside. Cows, sheep, and goats are running wild, causing crashes and danger on the roads. Drivers are in serious trouble, and no one knows why the animals are acting up. What’s with the madness?” – Beastly Behaviour!
Maybe it’s the shiny paint job, but there’s something about vehicles that entices livestock to take a closer look. Sometimes too close.
One of the most common collisions is undoubtedly accidents that involve animals.
And while it might be an uncommon experience in cities, that’s not the case for places like the bush or a rural area. The same way city folks might be unfamiliar with animal crossings is how animals feel when they come across your car while out on their daily stroll.
When wildlife and domestic animals wander into the streets, your driving skills are really put to the test: any negligence or reckless driving, such as speeding, could result in a loss of control and a catastrophic crash.
And if you have an active insurance policy, should your insurance provider discover that you failed to practice caution by driving recklessly, the result could mean diminishing any claims for compensation.
So, when it comes to cows, sheep and everything else in between, take the slow and steady approach when behind the wheel.
7. Insurance peril: Electrical breakdowns or failures
“Pineapple Creek has gone dark. Cars have stalled, streetlights are flickering, and nothing electrical works. Worse, there's no way in or out. Something strange is happening, and it’s more than just a blackout. Could the town’s hidden secret be to blame?” – Current Affairs.
Someone once said, “I’m currently in a dark place, not mentally; I’m just in South Africa, and there’s load shedding.”
And while it’s been a minute since we’ve experienced a power outage, South Africans are still traumatised by being left in the dark.
So, can you imagine the chaos of having your car go radio silent on you?
A vehicle breakdown caused by electrical or mechanical failure isn’t typically offered by any comprehensive car insurance provider. This, instead, is covered by a vehicle’s maintenance plan.
Electrical failure refers to the malfunction of a vehicle’s electrical system, such as the battery, wiring and sensors, while mechanical failure is the breakdown of a car’s physical components, including transmission issues, brake failure and suspension problems.
Simply put, we don't cover electrical or mechanical failure, unless it can be linked to an insured peril.
For example, if your car is struck by lightning, that electrical failure is usually covered because it's linked to weather-damage. However, breakdowns that are as a result of poor craftsmanship by a manufacturer aren't covered.
What we, as an insurance provider, can do is whisk you away to safety.
In the event of a car breakdown, Pineapple’s 24/7 roadside assistance benefit means we’ll tow to the nearest service provider.
8. Insurance peril: Weather damage
“Anathi thought it would be a quick and quiet drive home. But as dark clouds gathered, her journey turned into a nightmare. A fierce storm erupted, and she found herself trapped in her car. Lightning bolts danced across the sky, and the trees seemed to move on their own! The storm wasn't normal—it felt alive. Anathi needs a plan and fast before it's too late.” – Weather You Like It or Not.
When Mother Nature is on a rampage, you’d do best to steer clear of her wrath. But that’s easier said than done.
Weather can often be unpredictable, and driving through unfavourable conditions is something everyone goes through at some point in time.
A report by the Road Traffic Management Corporation (RTMC) showed that 27% of all fatal road accidents in South Africa happen during unfavourable weather conditions and poor visibility.
So, who could blame Anathi for fretting?
If only she were insured with Pineapple. Not only does our standard comprehensive car coverage include hail, which most other insurers typically do not, but it also protects your vehicle against damage caused by:
- Rain, (thunder and snow) storms and flooding
- Water damage
- Falling debris damage
- Wildfire
Having a policy that protects you against a wide range of weather-related damage means you never have to fear another storm again. Unless you’re a videographer named Dewaldt working at Pineapple, he was struck by lightning once!
Plus, our efficient car insurance claims process and network of credible panel beaters mean your repairs will be swift and hassle-free.
9. Insurance peril: Pothole damage
“Something evil is hiding under Johannesburg's potholes. As the holes grow bigger, so do the disappearances. Up until now, paranormal stories about the area were just that, stories. But, recent events have people questioning reality. Is fact stranger than fiction, or is there really something lurking below?” – The Plight of the Pothole.
What’s holier, South Africa’s roads or a block of Swiss cheese?
Potholes are a national crisis, so much so that in 2022 the government launched an app aptly named ‘Vala Zonke’ (‘Fill them all’). The aim was to address the persistent infrastructure challenges faced by millions of motorists and commuters daily.
Led by SANRAL (South African National Roads Agency Limited), operation Vala Zonke encourages the public to “log potholes with ease using [the] new app interface, simply specify the location, provide a description, and attach images.”
Driving over a pothole at high speeds can destroy your car’s suspension or burst your tyres.
This is in addition to bent rims and sidewall damage, as well as damage to the vehicle’s undercarriage, such as the exhaust system or oil pan.
In addition to having comprehensive coverage, the government has also made it possible for drivers to claim damages caused by potholes.
- If it’s on a national road, it’s possible to claim against SANRAL directly.
- The local municipality or Department of Public Works are more likely to be liable for damages if it’s on a municipal road.
- Lastly, the city council or local municipality is usually liable if the incident occurs on a municipal road.
10. Insurance peril: Third-party collision damage
“Sipho's road trip to Durban is all about fun and sun—until he notices a car following him. It’s the same car from earlier, the one that hit him and sped off. But why are they following him now? It feels like a dangerous game of cat and mouse, but what if they’re trying to warn him about something much worse?” – The Road Rager.
Have you ever watched the Netflix drama series Beef? Well, Sipho’s little hit-and-run incident is a bit like that, an obsessive game of cat-and-mouse.
It might seem far-fetched, but only if you’ve never felt or even experienced road rage. Pure, unadulterated anger has driven people to lose their decorum, common sense and all home training.
In 2022 alone, instances of road rage contributed to 17,316 assaults with intent to commit grievous bodily harm (GBH) cases in just over three months.
So, what’s the best way to deal with an irate motorist whose car you may or may not have hit? By exchanging insurance information and allowing Pineapple to investigate and potentially settle any financial disputes.
Our insurance policies include third-party coverage up to a maximum of R5 million. Which should be enough to help the other party afford their vehicle’s repair costs.
Conclusion
The moral of the story is South Africa’s streets are haunted.
Not by ghosts, but something worse, regrets. Millions of motorists walked the painful path of wishing they’d taken every precaution when it came to protecting their cars.
Thankfully, you now know better. Comprehensive car insurance isn’t rocket science, but if it were a fruit, it’d be Pineapple.
Our policies are the jack-o’-lantern of all trades, all those mentioned above and more.
A quick 90-second quote, 5-minute (or less) activation and a fee of R19-ish per day get you:
- Cover for third-party vehicle damage valued at R5 million.
- Cover for accidental damage.
- Cover for fire & explosions.
- Cover for theft & hijackings.
- Cover for weather, floods & hail.
- 24/7 Emergency roadside assistance.
- 24/7 Towing, no fuel, and lost & broken key assist.
- 24/7 Flat or dead tyre assist.
- Window & windscreen repair.
- Emergency accommodation.
Ts and Cs apply.
And we’ll even throw in our Drive Less Get Blessed benefit. Driving under 300 km per month gets you up to 30% of your premium.
Something wicked this way comes, but not where your wallet is concerned. Get a quote in under 90 seconds RIGHT NOW.
Talk about giving 'em pumpkin to talk about! 🎃
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.
Team Pineapple
Team Pineapple comprises our company’s top talents, who are dedicated to creating clear, high-quality content on essential vehicle insurance topics. This diverse group, including actuaries, accountants, data scientists, and insurance professionals across South Africa, collaborates to produce enlightening and empowering articles.
Each piece is thoroughly researched, factually accurate, and rigorously reviewed to ensure quality.
*We say they’re the finest because we want them to keep writing for us!
