A new survey commissioned by insurer Aviva has found that approximately one in three adults in the UK owns a vintage music player, such as a vinyl record player, a cassette tape player, or a vintage radio. The research, conducted by Censuswide among more than 2,000 people across the UK in March, reveals that 34% of respondents said they own such a device.
Older Generations Lead, But Youth Embrace Vinyl
The survey highlights that people aged 80 and over are particularly likely to own a vinyl record player, with nearly two-fifths (39%) of those surveyed in this age group doing so. However, vinyl record players are also popular among younger generations. Among Gen Z (ages 18 to 28), 18% reported owning a vinyl record player, while 16% of Millennials (ages 29 to 44) said the same.
Nostalgic Hobbies Extend Beyond Music
The trend toward retro technology is not limited to music. The survey also found a preference for older gadgets in other hobbies. Two-fifths (40%) of people surveyed own a digital camera, and a fifth (20%) own an analogue or Polaroid camera. In contrast, only 11% said they own a newer form of camera, such as a specialist action camera or drone.
Insurance Considerations for Vintage Gear
Hannah Davidson, a senior underwriting manager at Aviva, commented on the findings: “Despite younger generations growing up in the era of the iPod, MP3 player and CD player, it’s interesting to see a potential shift towards more nostalgic – and potentially costly – ways of enjoying music – even in a digital-first world. Record players are often more intricate and can easily be damaged.” She added that some home insurance policies offer an optional add-on known as accidental damage cover, which can provide cover for things like accidental spills or breakages. “Accidents happen and home insurance can help provide peace of mind knowing that your items are protected,” Davidson said.
