Music downloaded from the web 'not covered by computer insurance'

The millions who have transferred CDs to computers may also be unable to claim compensation if their hardware develops a mechanical problem or virus and the collection is lost.

Fewer than half the 46 insurance providers looked at in a survey provided cover for music and other digital downloads in their general computer policies.

Many music fans have built up valuable collections on their computers from digital music stores or downloaded tracks on to MP3 players, even though there is little protection if songs are wiped from these devices by mistake.

However, the consumer watchdog Which? says insurance companies have failed to take notice of the trend.

And digital music stores rarely offer refunds for 'lost' downloads - even though they are aware of the problem.

When customers buy an album from the Apple iTunes Music Store, a screen message reminds them to back up their music files on a computer disc.

But David Griffiths, editor of music technology magazine Future Music, said: 'I know lots of people who have lost hundreds of pounds because their computers have broken.

'People know they should burn their music files on to a backup disc but they never do.'

Abigail Waraker, editor of Computing Which? magazine which investigated insurance providers, said: 'Downloading music online is widely accepted as being the easiest way to buy music. But it seems insurance companies are determined to stay behind the times.'