Long working hours and today’s hectic lifestyle means Brits are spending so much time in their cars they have started treating them as second homes. New research from Churchill Insurance reveals a fifth of drivers spend more time in the company of the car stereo than with family or friends and seven million motorists spend almost a month in every year in their cars.

This is a stark illustration of ‘time-poor’ Britain today, with people so busy that, for a quarter of motorists, driving has overtaken their free time and they spend more time in the car than taking part in hobbies or watching TV. One in twenty even spends more time in the car than they spend at home or sleeping.

The survey showed that it’s not uncommon for people to use their cars as a wardrobe and make up room on a regular basis, simply because they have no time to go home before a date or appointment and end up getting ready in the car.

Frances Browning, of Churchill Insurance said: "With people spending around 15 hours a week in their cars it has become a necessity to extend their use beyond motoring. One driver told us that he eats in his car so often that he keeps salt and pepper on hand in case fish and chips is on the menu."

Christine Webber, Psychotherapist said: ‘’There is no doubt that as a nation we are spending increasing amounts of time in our cars and therefore we’re left with less and less quality time for other areas of our lives such as family or social life. Indeed many drivers have come to regard their car as a kind of second home, while others try to make their hectic lives more palatable by viewing their car as their oasis and very special, personal space.’

Churchill’s survey of ‘time-poor Brits’ reveals the top 10 items people keep in their cars to ensure they can cope with any situation if they are not at home:

1.Food/tea coffee
2.Suit/clothes/shoes
3.Make-up/toiletries
4.CDs/Mini disks
5.Sporting equipment such as squash or tennis racquets
6.First aid kit
7.Blanket
8.Mobile phone equipment
9.Camera
10.Work files