Exhibit 23

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration statements of 
The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company on Forms S-8 
(File Nos. 33-4397 and 33-36519) of our report dated January 22, 1996, on our 
audits of the consolidated financial statement schedules of The Hartford Steam 
Boiler Inspection and Insurance Company and its subsidiaries as of December 
31, 1995 and 1994, and for the three years in the period ended December 31, 
1995, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.


Hartford, Connecticut
March 28, 1996