Dealers will be able to offer free annual insurance to new and used car buyers, thanks to an additional sales tool called Free-Insure, provided by HPI.

Free-Insure enables dealers to offer 12 months fully comprehensive insurance to their customers as an alternative to other marketing promotions. Dealers will pay HPI for the insurance.

Insurance is offered selectively when securing a sale, as a promotional tool to solve ageing stock problems or adding value to certain cars.

Daniel Burgess, HPI automotive director, said: “It gives dealers flexibility and encourages people to come in to buy the cars.

“Our role is to provide relevant insurance products to the dealer market. Things which help sell cars and keep customers happy.”

Once a sale is complete, buyers will deal directly with a broker, with insurance cover being provided by Norwich Union Insurance, HPI’s sister company.

The policy is for cars up to group 14, and cover on up to four additional drivers on vehicles of any value. Customers must be between 25 and 65 and have a relatively clean license.

Burgess expects a take-up of more than 3000 customers in the next year.