Vehicle Pre‑Inspection: Activate Your Pineapple Car‑Insurance Fast

You’ve just completed the gruelling task of getting car insurance, and it was surprisingly easier than expected. That’s because Pineapple’s comprehensive car insurance is hassle-free; a quote takes 90 seconds, and starting your policy takes under 5 minutes.

Now, we’re asking you for one last little thing: kindly complete your digital vehicle pre-inspection. 

Watch the 90-second demo to see how easy it is. The same amount of time it takes to get a quote with Pineapple: 

Pineapple’s Pre-Inspection | How to guide 🍍

TL;DR – Our version of “I’m not reading all that, *SparkNotes pls.”

• A vehicle pre-inspection is a quick, mandatory digital check of your car’s condition before your car insurance starts. It’s crucial for fraud prevention and ensuring your full cover activates.
• If you don’t do it, your policy won’t start or might be downgraded from comprehensive to third-party-only cover.
• Pineapple makes it easy: just use the app to snap a few key shots like your car’s VIN and odometer.
• Passing is easy: use good light, take clear photos, and follow the app’s guidance.
• Complete it promptly (typically within 48 hours) to unlock your comprehensive cover and drive stress-free.

What Is a Vehicle Pre‑Inspection & Why Do Insurers Require It?

A vehicle pre-inspection is an assessment of the car before the cover can fully commence. As your insurance provider, it gives us a clear understanding of the vehicle’s current condition. 

A vehicle inspection in South Africa helps insurers note any current or pre-existing damage to the car, such as scratches, dents, or cracked glass, or to obtain the exact details, such as the vehicle’s VIN number.

Why Insurance Inspection Photos Matter

Without this assessment, Pineapple has no concept of the risks of insuring your car.

This makes us vulnerable to insurance fraud, namely claims for loss or damage that never occurred or for an item that never existed (it happens!). 

In 2023 alone, insurance scams increased 46% compared to the previous year, costing the South African insurance industry at least R175.9 million in losses.

Innocent policyholders are also at risk. According to Nedbank, “Insurers must then raise their premiums for life, car, home, and niche policies to ensure that there’s enough cash in the kitty to pay legitimate claims, so insurance fraud adds to the cost of everyone’s insurance.

Pineapple’s 5‑Minute Digital Pre‑Inspection 

You can complete your vehicle pre-inspection via WhatsApp or the Pineapple app (available on all mobile app stores).

How to Complete Your Pre-Inspection on WhatsApp

Here’s a step-by-step guide showing you how to complete your Pineapple pre-inspection via WhatsApp:

Step 1: Please select the vehicle you wish to complete the pre-inspection by replying with the registration number 😁. 

Step 2: Take a 360-degree video of the exterior of your vehicle. Be sure to show every surface. 

✅ The video should be a maximum of 1 minute and 30 seconds. Ensure the quality is clear and there is no glare or harsh light.

Step 3: Take a picture of the front of your vehicle. 

✅ Ensure the license plate is visible and legible, unless new, and the image is adequately illuminated (not under/over-exposed).

Step 4: Take a picture of the front windscreen. 

✅ The image should be clear, with no glare. 

Step 5: Take a picture of the back of your vehicle. 

✅  Ensure the license plate is visible and legible (unless new), and the image is adequately illuminated (not under/over-exposed).

Step 6: Take a picture of the rear windscreen. 

✅ Ensure the image is clear, adequately illuminated and not under/over-exposed (with no glare).

Step 7: Take a picture of the vehicle’s interior. 

✅ Ensure the steering wheel and gear lever are visible. The image should be clear, adequately illuminated, not under- or overexposed, and without glare.

Step 8: Take a picture of your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN)

✅ Your VIN can be found at the bottom of your windscreen, inside your service book, or on the frame of the driver-side door. The image should be clear and without glare. 

Your comprehensive car cover is waiting! That is how to pass your car inspection. Open the Pineapple app and start your digital pre-inspection now.

How to Complete Your Pre-Inspection on the Pineapple App

Here’s a step-by-step guide showing you how to complete your Pineapple pre-inspection via the app:

First, download the Pineapple app onto your phone here. (The Pineapple agent who assisted you on the call would have given you the login details to your profile.) If you’ve already purchased a policy via our website, all the relevant information is there.

Once you’ve successfully signed into your account, click ‘MY TO DO LIST’. This will take you to the general ‘MY TO-DO LIST’ page, where you will see categories titled ‘ALL ITEMS’ (cars and single items), ‘CARS’ (vehicles only), and ‘STUFF’ (single items only). 

Alternatively, scroll down until you see the vehicle on your home screen, and click on the option that reads ‘CAR TO-DOs’.

A list of 7 important actions, titled ‘THE NB’s,’ will appear. These are the most important steps to complete your inspection. Complete each action as instructed.

Step 1: Take a 360-degree video of the exterior of your vehicle. Be sure to show every surface. 

✅ The video should be a maximum of 1 minute and 30 seconds. Ensure the quality is clear and there is no glare or harsh light.

Step 2: Take a picture of the front of your vehicle. 

✅ Ensure the license plate is visible and legible, unless new, and the image is adequately illuminated (not under-/over-exposed).

Step 3: Take a picture of the front windscreen. 

✅ The image should be clear, with no glare. 

Step 4: Take a picture of the back of your vehicle. 

✅  Ensure the license plate is visible and legible (unless new), and the image is adequately illuminated (not under/over-exposed).

Step 5: Take a picture of the rear windscreen. 

✅ Ensure the image is clear, adequately illuminated and not under/over-exposed (with no glare).

Step 6: Take a picture of the vehicle’s interior. 

✅  Ensure the steering wheel and gear lever are visible. The image should be clear, adequately illuminated and not under-/over-exposed (with no glare).

Step 7: Take a picture of your vehicle’s Vehicle Identification Number (VIN).

✅ Your VIN can be found either at the bottom of your windscreen, inside your service book, or on the frame of the driver-side door. The image should be clear and without glare. 

And there you have it! That is how to pass your car inspection and ensure your comprehensive cover can commence.

The Pineapple Vehicle Pre‑Inspection Checklist – Shots You Can’t Miss

Here’s a handy checklist to ensure your car insurance pre-inspection is approved the first time. Ensure you don’t miss these key shots:

1. Front image of the vehicle
2. Front windscreen image
3. Back image of the vehicle
4. Rear windscreen image
5. VIN image
6. Dashboard image (while the car is on and idling)
7. Interior image
8. 360-degree video of the vehicle

FAQ – Your Top Pre‑Inspection Questions Answered

From pre‑inspection checklist to insurance inspection photos, here are the answers to your burning vehicle pre‑inspection questions.

1. What do I need to complete my Pineapple car pre-inspection?
   Just your smartphone, the Pineapple app, and some good lighting are all it takes to successfully complete your vehicle pre‑inspection. Best of all, you can inspect your vehicle in the comfort of your home; no travelling, fancy cameras, or expensive equipment is needed.
2. What happens if I don’t do my digital vehicle inspection?
   Not completing your digital vehicle inspection within the specified time outlined in your insurance policy documents usually results in a downgrade to your policy coverage. Your comprehensive coverage will be downgraded to a third-party-only policy if you do not submit your car’s inspection in time. This means you would not have protection against theft or accidents.
3. How long do I have to complete my car pre-inspection?
   Pineapple encourages you to complete your car’s insurance pre-inspection immediately after taking out your policy. This allows you to enjoy fully comprehensive car insurance, with benefits like 24/7 roadside assistance, car hire and up to 30% cashback thanks to our Drive Less Beg Blessed programme. Doing it promptly ensures your complete protection is active and ready when needed!
4. What happens if I fail the pre-inspection?
   If, for any reason, we reject the images or video you upload as part of your digital vehicle inspection, a Pineapple support agent will send an email explaining the reason for the rejection or advising if images or videos need to be retaken. You can simply respond to that email with any questions or if you need help.

5. How to pass the car inspection?
   Passing your Pineapple digital car inspection the first time is easy! Just follow these simple tips:
   5.1. Use good natural light: Avoid shadows or glare.
   5.2. Take clear, focused photos: Blurry images are a no-go.
   5.3. Follow the app’s prompts exactly: It tells you what to shoot.
   5.4. Capture all required angles (listed 1-7 above): Don’t miss the VIN, odometer, tyre treads, and dashboard warning lights etc.
   5.5. No filters or edits: Keep the photos original and unedited.

6. What happens if pre-existing damage is found?
   If the pre-inspection reveals existing damage, we’ll note it on your policy. This damage won’t be covered by your new policy. But any new damage occurring after your coverage starts will be covered per your policy terms.
7. How long does approval take?
   You’ll receive a notification stating that your pre-inspection review will be completed within 48 hours or two business days (Pineapple’s operational hours are from 08h00 to 17h00). We always work to approve pre-inspections as efficiently as possible during business hours, and you’ll get a notification as soon as your cover is active.

Conclusion

Completing your car insurance pre‑inspection is an essential step in insuring your ride and ensuring your policy is active. Pineapple’s 100% digital vehicle inspection process is designed to be a breeze; it’s quick, it’s easy, and it’s online.

So… Are you ready to get your affordable and fully comprehensive cover activated? 

Download the Pineapple app today!

More resources:

• See Glasfit’s “Vehicle Inspections Explained” fact sheet for more general insights into vehicle inspections.
• You can also learn about comprehensive vehicle checks on the DEKRA Pre-Insurance Assessment page.

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.