Revised car rental rules published by the Ministry of Commerce and business aim to improve consumer protection and guarantee business transparency by means of more openness.

Announced on Thursday, these new rules call for the elimination of promissory notes, required comprehensive insurance, and photographic evidence of the state of a vehicle at both the start and end of the rental period. .

Undersecretary Ziyad Al-Najim underlined that Ministerial Decision 231/2024, issued by Minister Khalifa Al-Ajeel, seeks to establish fair and unambiguous rental agreements for lessors and tenants. One important clause requires recording the state of the car by pictures or videos both before and after usage. This amendment aims to reduce conflicts about damages and guarantee responsibility for both sides.

The revised rules include several highlights, chief among them the ban on promissory notes and vague financial conditions, which have historically caused renters to be suddenly liable for extra fees. Nowadays, rental firms have to provide vehicles in perfect mechanical condition with necessary safety measures including spare tires and emergency tools. This guarantees that renters get automobiles that satisfy criteria of quality and safety.

The revised rules call for thorough documentation of any pre-existing damage on the car before it is hired. The dealership will assess fresh damage done during the rental time to decide on repairs. Apart from regular wear and tear, renters are liable for returning the vehicle in its original state and must make up any lost items or damages not covered by guarantee, This material guarantees a clear liability assessment and helps renters' confidence to be developed by rental businesses.

Renters have to get Ministry of Interior approval before any repairs may start in case of an accident. Before starting repairs, also required is written permission from the lessor. Should a rented vehicle be seized for the activities of the renter, the renter will be liable for daily rental payments as well as any related damages, These guidelines seek to define roles under demanding circumstances and discourage abuse of hired cars.

By guaranteeing renters obtain a clear and thorough copy of the rental agreement, the updated rules also improve renters' rights. This paperwork gives renters a whole knowledge of their rights, terms, conditions, and obligations. Significantly, renters are no longer obliged to sign extra promissory notes or financial documentation outside the initial rental agreement, therefore preventing any exploitation.

The new rules establish a benchmark for openness and fairness in the car rental business by removing hidden costs and implementing better practices for recording vehicle condition and liability, Nowadays, rental businesses have more responsibility and must guarantee better client interactions and minimize conflicts by means of their operations.

These developments mark a major improvement in consumer protection and should result in Kuwait's automobile rental experience to be more dependable and pleasant, While rental businesses will be urged to keep high service standards, renters will gain from more information and less dangers, The project of the Ministry of Commerce and Industry not only solves long-standing problems in the sector but also promotes a more equitable market for all the participants.