The true cost of commuting

Not only are fuel and fares going up, but commuting is costing British families dear in terms of lost time with loved ones. New research from American Express Insurance Services reveals that the average worker in Britain commutes for one hour per day, rising to two hours for around one in ten people (9%).

Commuters are spending four times longer on the train, or behind the wheel, than they do with their children. Research reveals that the average commuter wastes two hours travelling each day and spends just 30 minutes of quality time with their children. Similarly workers with a long commute are only able to find just over an hour (66 minutes) within their packed days to spend time with their partners.

It is not just relationships that suffer; it seems that many commuters are risking their health too by failing to get enough exercise. As well as sitting in a car or train for long periods, commuters spend an average of just 18 minutes a day exercising - falling short of the Government recommended amount of 30 minutes - and 6 minutes less than the UK average.

At a time when Britons are reported to work some of the longest hours in Europe - and when there have been concerns about the stress, home-life and health implications of long working hours - the American Express Insurance Services probe reveals a growing divide among UK workers - between groups that work to live and those that live to work.

Commuters' Time Sheet

Technology is playing a big part at keeping people in touch. After a long day in front of a screen in the office, the average commuter logs on at home to spend 24 minutes emailing friends and then a further 18 minutes nattering on the phone.

Keeping up appearances is something commuters do quickly. Only 24 minutes is spent each day cleaning, dusting and doing DIY jobs around the house.

Those with a demanding job make the most time for their pets, spending on average over half an hour a day (36 minutes) for things like walkies, compared to the rest of the average working population who spend just 12 minutes a day looking after their pets.

Surprisingly, despite having the least time for other lifestyle activities, commuters spend marginally more time in front of the TV than the average - 2 hours and 6 minutes: 12 minutes longer than those who work a 40 hour week.

Chris Rolland, Head of American Express Insurance Services commented: "For many hard working Britons it seems there are simply not enough hours in the day. For some, the amount of time spent at work has overtaken time spent at home and for all workers there are a huge number of drains and challenges to their free time."

"With this in mind, it is not surprising that a lot of people don't get round to keeping on top of their finances. American Express today is a lot more than just a credit card. As an organisation that builds insurance services tailored to people's busy lives, we can take one worry off people's minds, freeing them up to get on with their lives."