An investigation of 46 insurance providers by Computing Which? has found that fewer than half provide cover for loss or damage to music and other digital downloads. 

None of the insurance companies protect digital downloads in the event of hardware or mechanical failure, leaving users unable to claim in the event of a virus or hard drive failure.

Computing Which? also found that many insurers seem confused about policies relating to downloads.

Staff at Tesco Personal Finance, for example, were "unfamiliar with the area", while the wording of MoreThan's policy did not reflect the fact that digital downloads are covered. 

"Downloading music is widely accepted as the easiest and most convenient way to buy music," said Abigail Waraker, editor of Computing Which?.

"Music lovers know it and music companies know it, but it seems that insurance companies are determined to stay behind the times.

"We would like to see insurance companies make their way to the top of the charts by providing full cover for all digital content."

On a more positive note, Computing Which? found that some insurance companies are keeping up with the times by covering a wide range of digital content including music videos, TV programmes, films, games and even mobile ring-tones.

Computing Which? has the following tips for avoiding digital download disaster:

• Check your policy documents, or call your insurer directly, to see whether you are covered
• Keep any receipts or bank statements relating to digital downloads
• Make sure that your systems have antivirus software, anti-spyware and a firewall installed
• Protect digital content with a back-up copy, particularly if you are not covered by insurance
• Consider switching insurance companies to avoid disappointment