Exhibit 23

                          INDEPENDENT AUDITORS' CONSENT



Orion Capital Corporation
Farmington, Connecticut


We consent to the  incorporation  by reference in  Registration  Statements  No.
2-80636 and No. 333-58941 on Form S-8 relating to the Orion Capital  Corporation
1982 Long-Term Performance Incentive Plan, No. 333-58905 on Form S-8 relating to
Orion Capital  Corporation  Equity Incentive Plan, No. 2-63344 and No. 333-58889
on Form S-8 relating to the Orion Capital  401(K) and Profit  Sharing Plan,  No.
33-59847 and No. 333-58939 on Form S-8 relating to the Orion Capital Corporation
1994 Stock Option Plan for Non- Employee  Directors,  No.  333-44901 on Form S-8
relating to the Wm. H. McGee & Co., Inc.  401(K) and Profit  Sharing  Plan,  No.
333-55671 on Form S-8 relating to Orion  Capital  Corporation  Employees'  Stock
Purchase Plan, and No.333-62951 on Form S-8 relating to Retirement  Savings Plan
for  Employees  of Guaranty  National  Insurance  Company,  of our report  dated
February 22, 1999 (except for Note 20, as to which the date is March 11, 1999),
appearing in this annual report on Form 10-K of Orion Capital
Corporation for the year ended December 31, 1998.


DELOITTE & TOUCHE LLP



Hartford, Connecticut
March 29, 1999