Damage and Security Deposit Policy

Version 1.2, last updated 2026-10-12. Effective date: 2026-10-12.

This policy sets expectations for security deposits, handover inspections and damage disputes. It is part of the Terms of Service.

Example. You rent a scooter with a stated cash deposit of IDR 500,000. At pickup you and the owner photograph every side of the scooter. At return there is no new damage, so the owner hands the IDR 500,000 back on the spot. If there is a new scratch, the owner shows it against the pickup photos, gives you an itemised cost, and deducts only that amount.

1. Our role

Sewa Rent does not take, hold or release deposits. A security deposit, if there is one, is an agreement between the owner and the guest: the owner collects it and the owner returns it. Sewa Rent can help with mediation but does not decide claims and does not pay for damage.

2. Stating the deposit

1. The owner must state in the listing whether a deposit is required, the amount, the form (for example cash in IDR, or an insurance excess instead of a deposit) and when it is returned.
2. The deposit and its conditions must not change at pickup compared with the listing and the confirmation email. If they do, the guest may decline the rental without consequence and should tell us.
3. The deposit is security for damage, loss, fines or late return as agreed in the rental agreement. It is not part of the rental price.

3. Typical practice (information only)

These figures describe common local practice. They are not Sewa Rent rules, and each listing states its own terms.

• Scooters: cash deposits of roughly IDR 300,000 to 2,000,000 are common.
• Cars: around IDR 1,000,000 to 1,500,000 cash at small operators; larger companies may hold an amount on a physical credit card.
• Some operators ask for no deposit and instead use insurance with an excess (the amount you pay if there is damage).

4. Passports and original documents must never be kept

1. Owners must never keep a guest’s passport or any original identity document, driving licence or IDP as security. Holding a passport is not permitted on the Platform and may put the guest at serious risk.
2. An owner may look at documents and write down the details needed for the rental agreement. Copies or photos of documents may be taken only with the guest’s consent, must be stored securely and must be deleted after the rental unless the law requires otherwise (PDP Law, UU 27/2022).
3. A guest who is asked to hand over a passport should refuse, offer another form of security, and may report the owner to support@sewa.rent.

5. Handover and return inspection

Disputes about alleged damage are the most common problem in this market. Timestamped photos prevent most of them.

At pickup, both sides together:

1. Take photos or a short video of every side of the item, any existing scratches or dents, the odometer, the fuel or battery level, and the helmets or safety gear.
2. Note the accessories handed over (keys, registration copy, helmets, life jackets, phone holder, and so on).
3. Agree the notes and keep a copy each, for example by sending the photos on WhatsApp.

At return, take the same photos and compare them. The owner’s booking page has a checklist you can follow.

6. Returning the deposit

1. If there is no new damage and no other agreed deduction, the owner returns the full deposit at the return inspection.
2. If the owner claims a deduction, the owner must show the damage with photos, compare it with the handover photos, and give an itemised amount in writing. Only the actual and reasonable cost of repair or replacement may be deducted, with a receipt or quote where possible.
3. Damage found after the guest has left must be reported to the guest with evidence within 48 hours after return. Later claims are not supported by Sewa Rent.
4. A claim above the deposit follows the rental agreement.
5. Normal wear and tear is not damage.

7. Disputes

1. Discuss the claim and the evidence on WhatsApp.
2. If you cannot agree, write to support@sewa.rent or WhatsApp +62 822-4796-5465 with the booking number and the photos. We will review the evidence and try to mediate. Our view is not binding.
3. Claims that cannot be settled go to the competent court in Indonesia or, for consumers, the consumer dispute settlement body (BPSK), under the rental agreement and the Terms of Service.
4. Invented or inflated damage claims, or refusing to return a deposit without reason, breach the Owner Partner Agreement and the Community Guidelines and may lead to a review, a lower ranking or suspension.

8. Fines, accidents and insurance

Traffic fines (tilang), accidents and insurance are dealt with in the rental agreement and explained on the page “Insurance and deposits explained”. Insurance may be invalid if the rider has no correct licence category or has drunk alcohol.

9. Future online deposit

An online deposit feature exists in the system but is switched off. If it is introduced, it will use a licensed payment provider, and we will give advance notice and update this policy.