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The number of drivers without car insurance who were stopped by the police soared in 2008, it has been revealed.

Last year, 170,000 motorists were stopped compared to 78,000 in 2006 – news which has been welcomed by AA Insurance.

Discussing the figures, Simon Douglas, director of the company, said that this success rate is down to the roll-out of automatic number plate recognition systems on police cars.

These allow officers to be alerted of any uninsured drivers using the national Motor Insurers' Database.

Mr Douglas continued: "This is good news because accidents caused by uninsured drivers cost over £500 million per year.

"This is met by the insurance industry - adding an average of nearly £30 to the annual premium of every honest motorist."

Yesterday, figures released by Sainsbury's showed that many Brits are sacrificing car insurance to save money, despite it being illegal to drive without cover.

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