A new study has been carried out, which suggests that gay couples may be facing unnecessary problems while applying for home insurance.

The study, carried out by No Claims Discount, found that the bureaucracy which helps process applications is causing added difficulties to civil partners because the forms and processes are only set-up to deal with heterosexual couples.

Helen Ward from Stonewall said, in an interview with No Claims Discount, that the problems could be solved by something as simple as changing the forms used to fill out applications, adding options for domestic or live-in partner to the current married and single options.

"In simple terms, we would recommend that insurers provide these options: under marital status - married/civil partnered, when entering a partner's details: husband/wife/civil partner" Said Ms. Ward.

All companies that operate in Britain are bound by the Equality Act of 2007, which outlawed discrimination based on race, sexual orientation or gender.