The “Ensurance” product works with any car insurance policy and then provides full accident management support and service from the Volkswagen Group repairer network.

Ensurance costs £49.99 a year and includes VIS taking over the accident management process on the customer’s behalf. The damaged vehicle will be sent to Volkswagen Group repairers where Volkswagen Group trained technicians will use only genuine parts. VIS adds that a Volkswagen Group courtesy car will be provided in a wider range of circumstances than normal and legal expenses cover is also included in the product.

The firm says that the product offers value for money by saving on referral fees and increased courtesy car costs.

Robert Cottrell, head of insurance for Volkswagen Financial Services and Volkswagen Insurance Service, said: ‘Unlike existing credit hire models for accident management there are no referral fees paid through Ensurance. Although the cost is £49.99 per annum, this does include legal expenses cover, which can typically cost an extra £20 to £30 per annum when added to a car insurance policy. A courtesy car is also provided, which often has an additional cost as well. Buying Ensurance means customers are able save these costs on a car insurance policy and still enjoy the Volkswagen Group network service for no additional cost overall.’

VIS also says that it doesn’t accept or gain any income from legal referral fees and credit hire income, unlike some other accident management companies and insurers.

Ensurance is initially available for all new and used Volkswagen, Audi, SEAT and Skoda vehicles.