A street car named...Betsy?

One in five Brits (22 per cent) are so close to their cars that they feel the need to name them - and the most popular motor moniker is 'Betsy', according to new research from Lloyds TSB Insurance.

The insurer questioned drivers across the UK about the relationship they have with their cars and has compiled a list of the top ten names.

The most popular British car names, as revealed in the survey, are:

1. Betsy
2. Babe
3. Tiggy
4. Charlie
5. Ruby
6. Homer
7. Herbie
8. Fred
9. Winnie
10. Digby

Gary Hurry, senior marketing manager, Lloyds TSB Insurance, said: "School runs, long weekends, daily commutes - and traffic jams, mean we're all spending more time than ever in our cars. And the more time we spend with them, the more attached we seem to grow.

"Naming something is a real sign of affection and the fact we're choosing a name for our cars indicates that they're an important part of the family. However, in many other ways we're not necessarily giving our vehicles the care and attention they need. The only way you can really show you care for your car is to service it regularly and make sure you're properly insured."

Some of the names that didn't quite make the top ten were Big Boy, 'Delilah Brian Genevieve', Maurice (pronounced the French way), Rust Bucket, Xena, The Beast, 'Bingo Honky Tonk Blue' and.... Wodger.