Music fans who lose their beloved iPod or MP3 player could have to foot the bill for getting a replacement as these are often not covered by many standard home insurance policies, a specialist insurance company warns.

Music collections carried on the music players could also be excluded from cover, according to Hiscox insurance.

Kevin Kerridge, head of direct business at Hiscox, said: "Music fans stand to lose both their iPod or MP3 player and their music library if their player is stolen.

"Unless their songs are backed up on a PC, the cost could be huge. For example an iPod Mini or Nano can store 1,000 songs which can cost 79p each to download. This means a full library could be worth up to £790."

The number of muggings and snatch-thefts of iPods in London has increased five-fold since last November.

But many standard policies fail to cover portable electronic equipment and will only pay out for data reinstatement for home computers.

"To lose both an iPod and your own personal music library without any insurance is a frustrating and unnecessary double whammy. Consumers should make sure they are covered by their contents insurance," Mr Kerridge advised.

Apple predicts that over 9.4 million iPods will be sold in the period leading up to Christmas.