Mazda is offering its drivers a free service to help people who have been in a car accident or that need collision repairs.

The round-the-clock service is available anywhere in Europe. Car owners simply use the same free phone number already used for Mazda roadside assistance.

The service includes vehicle recovery, repair at a Mazda Approved Accident Repair Centre (MAARC) of their vehicle, plus immediate alternative transport for at least 48 hours.

The Mazda accident management team then liaises with the MAARC and the insurer to make sure that repairs are carried out with the minimum of delay and inconvenience and the vehicle is repaired to Mazda's original manufacturing specification.

A total of 150,000 Mazda European Assistance (MEA) policyholders, who account for 49% of all Mazdas in the UK under 10 years old, are eligible to use Mazda Accident Management without separate registration.

Steve Jelliss, Mazda Motors UK after sales director, said: "We think it is vitally important that customers who require collision repairs are as satisfied with the quality of workmanship and parts used as those who come into our network for a routine service.

"It is the customer's right to have their vehicle repaired at their repairer of choice. That’s why since September we have made full accident management support available to all customers with the already excellent Mazda European Assistance breakdown cover, at no extra charge."

All vehicles from Mazda Motors UK have three years MEA cover from the date when they were registered. Also all Momentum Extended Warranties including those for Approved Used Mazdas have a minimum one-year MEA cover from the date of sale and the three year plus service offer includes optional one-year MEA cover from the date of service. Any other Mazda vehicle can be registered directly by the customer using the MEA number for £98 including tax.

Assistance includes liaison on the customer’s behalf with insurers, MAARCs and dealerships. It is available anywhere in Europe and is free to everyone with MEA cover.