Majority of home insurance policies do not cover music downloads

A new report has warned online music shoppers that their library of songs may not be covered by their home insurance policy .

According to Sainsbury's Home Insurance, nearly three quarters of insurance deals do not provide protection for digital purchases.

The research found that 959,101 Britons estimate that they have more than £250 worth of digital downloads, however only 24 per cent of insurance policies offer any cover.

Ben Tyte, manager of Sainsbury's Home Insurance, explained that insurance companies are still to catch up with the digital revolution.

He added: There may be an assumption from consumers that once they've made a purchase any loss could be recovered from the retailer, but most outlets only allow for a single download.

The International Federation of the Phonographic Industry (IFPI) recently reported that the music industry is suffering the effects of illegal downloading.

However, the IFPI also stated that digital downloads still account for 27 per cent of the overall industry market.