Ford owners using the service will have repairs carried out at their nearest Ford Accident Repair Centre using genuine Ford parts, fitted by Ford trained technicians using the company’s repair methods. A courtesy car may also be available. The Innovation Group will handle calls on Ford’s behalf.

Unlike other “accident management” programmes, the Ford scheme does not allow personal injury referral fees to be paid and there are no credit hire or credit repair agreements for customers to sign.

Paul McDermott, manager, Collision Repair, Ford of Britain, said: 'We are pleased to be developing a fresh approach to accident management which will benefit our customers, our repair network and the insurance industry.'