Source: Harris Interactive press release and Marketing Charts
When why they might switch their auto insurance from one company to another, a third (33%) of self-identified gays and lesbians said that offering domestic partner benefits to its employees would be one of their top three reasons they would change providers and take their business to another insurance carrier.

Gays and lesbians are also twice as likely as heterosexuals to purchase their automotive insurance online, according to the study of auto, life and homeowner's/renter's insurance by Harris Interactive in conjunction with Witeck-Combs Communications.

One in six (17%) of gays and lesbians said they purchased their primary automotive insurance online, compared with only 8% of heterosexuals:

42% of gays and lesbians are likely to purchase their primary auto insurance through a company agent, compared with 35% of heterosexuals.

When it comes to life insurance, far fewer gays and lesbians report having life insurance coverage than heterosexuals. According to the survey, almost half of gay and lesbian adults (49%) have no life insurance policies whereas just under one third (32%) of heterosexuals claim to have none.

"Because gay and lesbian couples most often do not have equal legal protections and safeguards as do married heterosexuals, it is extremely important for them to ensure their loved ones are provided for in case of accidents and death. Also, with the growing trend in the number of gays and lesbians starting families, there is a clear opportunity for financial and insurance providers as well as financial advisors to help gays and lesbians intelligently plan for their future," said Wesley Combs, president of Witeck-Combs Communications.

The survey also found that gays and lesbians fall behind in the category of homeowner's or renter's insurance, with only 59 percent claiming to have this type of insurance compared to 70 percent of heterosexuals. Of the respondents who said they do have homeowner's or renter's insurance, more gays and lesbians (46%) said they purchased their primary insurance through a company agent than did heterosexuals (37%).

Harris Interactiver conducted the study online within the United States between January 15 and 22, 2008, among 2,514 adults (ages 18 and over), of whom 2,072 indicated they are heterosexual and 303 self-identified as gay or lesbian. The sample includes an over sample of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender adults.

Full article: Insurance and Gays, Lesbians - Patterns Differ from Heterosexuals' - Marketing Charts
One-Third of Gays and Lesbians Would Switch Auto Insurance if the New Carrier Offers Domestic Partner Benefits to Its Employees | Harris Interactive (press release)