A domestic partnership is similar to marriage for same-sex or opposite-sex couples who are exclusively committed to each other. Due to a lack of federal legislation on domestic partnership, civil unions, and same-sex marriage, the responsibility falls to the state and local governments. Since these state regulations are so inconsistent, many auto insurance companies offer auto insurance for domestic partners, regardless of whether or not it is required by state law. Therefore, each company’s requirements may vary.

Most companies that provide domestic partner car insurance follow the same general guidelines to avoid fraud or misuse of the partnership discount.

The couple must:

• Be over 18 years old
• Have lived together at least six months,
• Be in an exclusive relationship
• Share financial responsibility for basic living expenses
• Share the same residence and plan to do so indefinitely
• Not be married already
• Not be closely related by blood
• Have been mentally competent when the domestic partnership began