Mobile game provider DeNa Co. is teaming with insurance company SOMPO Holdings to offer a unique car-sharing service where drivers can lease a vehicle at no charge but must make it available to others when not in use.

The companies agreed on Thursday on the establishment of the "DeNA SOMPO Carlife" joint venture for car leasing business that will be operated by a new company under the name "DeNA SOMPO Mobility."

As part of the deal, DeNa will transfer its "Anyca" car-sharing business to DeNA SOMPO Mobility in April 2019 and will start a “zero-yen my car” service this summer.

In addition, the companies will establish the "DeNA SOMPO Carlife" joint venture company that will be responsible for the car leasing business.

Through this service, users who do not own a car can lease a car under the condition the vehicle is made available to be rented out when not in use through Anyca, which DeNa has run for more than three years.

Lessees must show proof of having a parking space and are responsible for maintenance costs of their vehicles.

The companies hope that the new service will increase the number of cars that are registered as available for sharing as well as the number of users of the car-sharing business. The companies will also focus on providing insurance to the customers of the car-sharing services.

Anyca, a smartphone app, can match a car owner seeking to lend their vehicle out with someone who wants to lease it.

With their agreement, users can drive a car at a lower cost than through the usual rental car agencies and may even be able to experience driving a premium luxury car that otherwise would be out of their price range.

Meanwhile, car owners can also be paid monthly if they agree to loan their cars to the car-sharing service.

If the amount of the “allowance” exceeds their total cost of maintaining their car, such as automobile safety inspection fees or vehicle taxes, it will be possible for the owners to keep a car virtually for free.