More than 100 million iPods, not to mention other MP3 players, have been sold worldwide. Most contents insurance policies cover the loss of a CD collection. But now Kiwis en-masse are downloading their music instead of buying it on CD, they're not covered if it gets stolen or lost.
It's the same story for legally downloaded and paid for ringtones, movies and digital art.
We're not talking small amounts of money here. Songs cost $1.79 each (including GST) to download from iTunes, and music videos cost $3.49 each. That can add up to an awful lot of money for even a few hundred tracks, let alone thousands. Then there's games and books: iPod games cost $7.99; audio books can be more than $30 each.
Legal downloads of full-length movies are becoming increasingly popular. When we checked CinemaNow, one of the leading movie download websites, prices ranged from US$3.99 to US$14.95 for any one of the top 10 movies on offer.
Insurance cover
Only one insurer that we got in touch with - Ansvar - says its policy automatically covers the loss of legally downloaded music and other data such as movies, ringtones, and digital art.
One other, IAG, says that although the wording of its policies exclude data, the company will pay out on claims that are otherwise valid. (IAG owns State and NZI, and provides the insurance cover available through the ASB, BNZ and PSIS.)
Read what our members have to say close
To save money on essentials and make buying decisions easy, you can't go past Consumer. We're proud to have over 65,000 members all enjoying our independent information online or in Consumer magazine.
Here's what some of them say...
"Just wanted to let you know that I find your site excellent! Easy to find my way around, everything at my fingertips - just a click away.
I only took out a 3 month membership as I wasn't sure but it is actually really easy to use and if I want it on paper I can print the
reports. Thanks again".
Denise Watkinson - Waitakere
"My mother (74) got a renewal letter from her insurance company for her car insurance, wanting $570. After reading
your article on car insurance, I contacted one of the companies you recommended, who quoted her $318 for the same
level of cover. I just wanted to stay thank you very much for your article, as it has saved my mother a substantial amount of money".
Adrian Lane - Kapiti Coast
"I've been a member to the magazine since 1997 and enjoy reading it a lot. I've found lots of helpful information on different issues...
Thank you for being so helpful".
Peter Kovalenko - Porirua
"I have been a member of the Consumer NZ for 20 or more years and have enjoyed much reliable advice.
I turn to their tests before making significant purchases".
Lyndal Print – Auckland
Join Consumer now and make your decisions easy on a huge range of products and services
- Over 500 reports, plus interactive tools and calculators
- Independent advice from NZ's trusted source of information
- Join over 65,000 members who help us get all NZers a fairer deal
from just $28
Previous: Introduction
