CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS


We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the registration  statements of
The Hartford Steam Boiler  Inspection anbd Insurance  Company on Forms S-8 (File
Nos.  33-4397 and  33-36519) of our report dated January 27, 1997, on our audits
of the consolidated  financial  statements and financial  statement schedules of
The Hartford Steam Boiler Inspection and Insurance company and its subsidiaries
as of December  31, 1996 and 1995,  and for the three years in the period  ended
December 31, 1996, which report is included in this Annual Report on Form 10-K.


/s/ Coopers & Lybrand
Hartford, Connecticut
March 31, 1997