Newly-registered cars account for five percent of road accidents, according to research by Accident Exchange.

The study found that nearly a third of 62-plate buyers, who had an accident in their new cars, did so within the first two months of ownership.

Accident Exchange sale development director, Liz Fisher, said: “With in excess of 2.2 million accidents occurring in the UK every year, these figures suggest that brand new models represent more than 110,000 customers requiring onward mobility and remedial work from the franchised network within the first six months of being on the road.”

The SMMT recorded sales of 994,004 models between September 2012 and March 2013.

The average cost of repair on 62-registered vehicles stands at £2,177, meaning that the most recent plate change has potentially generated more than £239m in revenue for workshop and bodyshop if retained within the network.

Fisher added: “Any accident is a stressful and emotional affair for the owner, but this increases dramatically for those driving brand new vehicles. It is vital that the messages of manufacturer approved processes, equipment and technicians are delivered to the customer in order to protect the integrity of the vehicle and return it to factory finish condition.”

Historic research by Accident Exchange has found that up to 63% of motorists involved in an accident will purchase a new car within six months.

Fisher said: “This remains a fact all too often overlooked by dealers. It’s why a communication process between the bodyshop, service and sales environment to flag up potential soft-sell opportunities is vital, especially when it’s someone who has only just bought a new car.”