When you get a car insurance quote, the price you see reflects numerous factors about you — where you live, your driving history, and much more. And some of those factors might seem to have little to do with car insurance. For instance, any newlywed who has decided, in a blissful post-honeymoon haze, to get a new car insurance quote stands a good chance of seeing some significant savings.

Why? Well, the fact is that car insurance companies base their rates (in part) on personal characteristics that have proven statistically significant. Married people, for example, tend to be safer drivers. Guess it’s just something about tying the knot that makes people decide to take fewer chances behind the wheel.

But what about domestic partners — shouldn’t the same logic apply? You’d think, but with some insurers, domestic partnerships are a whole different ballgame.

Not at Esurance.

The married rate for domestic partners

If you’re not already hip to the nature of domestic partnerships, here are the basics: two cohabitating people of any sex and sexual orientation can register a domestic partnership with their state.

The basic purpose of domestic partnerships, in states that recognize them, is to recognize gay and lesbian couples for their commitment. A domestic partnership isn’t technically a marriage, but it can offer some of the same benefits.

Here in Esurance’s home state of California, for instance, the Family Code (section 297.5) states that:

Registered domestic partners shall have the same rights, protections, and benefits, and shall be subject to the same responsibilities, obligations, and duties under law … as are granted to and imposed upon spouses.

(Emphasis ours.)

The benefits vary across states, however, and many don’t recognize domestic partnership at all.

But if you are (or want to be) an Esurance customer, you can enjoy at least one benefit of domestic partnership in most states where we do business: the chance to save on your car insurance with the married rate. Whether your state offers domestic partnership registration or not.

That’s right. If you’re in a committed relationship with a domestic partner, we value that commitment. No matter what your home state has to say about it.

Where the married rate for domestic partners applies

At present, we offer the married rate to domestic partners in the following states:

The departments of insurance in 4 states — Louisiana, Missouri, Florida, and Georgia — won’t allow us to extend the married rate to domestic partners at present.

About the married rate

It’s important to note that the married rate isn’t a discount, and it’s not necessarily a shoe-in for savings — it’s just one of the many things that we consider when rating policies. But it could mean a lower overall premium for domestic partners.

Why we offer the married rate to domestic partners

If you’re acquainted with Esurance, you’re probably aware that we’re big supporters of Pride nationwide and sponsor events all across the country, from Seattle to Orlando. We’ve also helped raise funds for The Trevor Project and this year we’re pitching in on their NTL (“need to talk live”) movement, which seeks to introduce a new acronym that encourages improved communication. In short, we’re all about celebrating the uniqueness and diversity of this nation, our customers, and our associates. (Plus, who doesn’t love … love?)

So we figure now is the perfect time to say, “We do,” to all our gay and lesbian friends. Happy Pride Month!