Sunderland-based Jennings Motor Group has launched a new free initiative to handle customers’ crash or theft enquiries.

The dealer group’s customers can call Jennings Accident Assist and staff will arrange to report the incident to the insurance company and where necessary liaise with all parties involved including third party insurance companies and engineers.

Since its pilot launch in July 2007, more than 128 motorists have taken advantage of the programme.

Nicky Dalkin, operations director for the Jennings, said: "Having an accident in a vehicle can be an extremely traumatic and stressful time for all parties concerned.

"We were keen to set up an initiative in order to alleviate the stress and worry and also give peace of mind to our customers."

In cases where the accident was not the customer’s fault, Jennings will also arrange for repairs to be authorised and also arrange for a replacement like for like vehicle, which will be delivered and collected from the customer's home address.

Jennings represents Ford, Mazda and Seat across eight dealerships in Gateshead, Stockton-On-Tees, Sunderland and Middlesborough.