Naked Insurance vs Pineapple Insurance: Which Digital Car Insurer Suits You?

South Africa's insurance landscape has seen a significant shift towards digital-first offerings, with Naked Insurance and Pineapple Insurance leading the charge in the car insurance space. Both promise transparent, user-friendly experiences powered by technology, challenging traditional insurance models.

Naked vs Pineapple Car Insurance: At a Glance

Feature | Naked Insurance | Pineapple Insurance
Model | Digital-first, AI-driven, fixed profit model | Digital-first, peer-to-peer (P2P), unused premium cashback
Cover Options | Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft, Third Party Only | Comprehensive, Third Party Fire & Theft, Third Party Only
Claim Process | App-driven, instant quotes for minor repairs, AI-supported | App-driven, photo/video submission, human review
Pricing | Fixed monthly premium, CoverPause option | Monthly premium plus potential unused-premium cashback
Unique Features | CoverPause, self-service, transparent pricing | Wallet for unused premium, social sharing, instant cover
Target Audience | Tech-savvy, value transparency and control | Younger, social, rewarded for low claims

Who Is Naked Insurance For?

Customers who value ultimate control, transparency, and a streamlined digital experience. The fixed-profit model assures customers that Naked benefits from paying claims fairly, not denying them — appealing to those wary of traditional insurer incentives.

Who Is Pineapple Insurance For?

A younger, more social demographic comfortable with app-first interactions and intrigued by the peer-to-peer concept. The potential annual rebate of unused premium from the Wallet is a significant draw, encouraging responsible claim behaviour.

Plan Structures and Cover Options

Naked Insurance: Simplified Choices

Comprehensive Cover: Accidental damage, theft, fire, third-party liability.

Third Party, Fire & Theft and Third Party Only options.

CoverPause™ lets you pause accidental damage and theft cover (e.g., when parked safely), paying only a reduced premium for fire and third-party liability.

Pineapple Insurance: Flexible and Social

Comprehensive Cover, Third Party Fire & Theft, and Third Party Only options.

A portion of your premium goes into your Wallet (alongside other policyholders), from which small claims are paid. If money is left over at year-end, you could receive a rebate. Underwritten by Old Mutual Alternative Risk Transfer Limited.

Pricing Approach and Potential Savings

Naked: Transparent and Controllable Premiums

Monthly premium is presented clearly with no hidden fees. AI quotes quickly based on profile and vehicle. Save through CoverPause when your car is not in use.

Pineapple: The Promise of Cashback

Standard premium with potential annual cashback from your Wallet if claims are low. Cashback is not guaranteed and depends on claim activity. Often appeals to younger drivers with competitive initial premiums.

Claims and Service Reputation

Naked offers entirely app-driven claims with instant repair estimates for minor damage and AI-assisted approvals. Pineapple's claims are also app-based with photo/video submission, human review, and FSCA-compliant claims-paying ability via Old Mutual.

Switching Considerations

Cancellation: Typically a month's notice. Confirm with your current insurer.

No-Claim Bonus: Clarify with both insurers how this transfers.

Underwriting: Provide accurate details — misrepresentation can invalidate a claim.

Digital Comfort: Both are heavily app-based.

Verdict: Which is Right for You?

Choose Naked Insurance if you prioritise control (CoverPause), transparency in pricing, and a purely digital AI-driven experience.

Choose Pineapple Insurance if you're intrigued by the peer-to-peer model, appreciate community-driven insurance and gamification, and find their initial premiums competitive.

Get personalised quotes from both on InsuranceQuotes.co.za.