Exhibit 5(i)



June 19, 1997


The Hartford Steam Boiler
 Inspection and Insurance Company
One State Street
P.O. Box 5024
Hartford, CT  06102-5024

Ladies and Gentlemen:

In  reference  to the  Registration  Statement  of  The  Hartford  Steam  Boiler
Inspection and Insurance  Company  (hereinafter the "Company") on Form S-8 which
is being filed with the  Securities and Exchange  Commission in connection  with
the registration of the Company's  common stock,  without par value (the "Common
Stock") to be offered under The Hartford  Steam Boiler  Inspection and Insurance
Company  1995  Stock  Option  Plan (the  "Plan"),  you have  asked my opinion as
General  Counsel of the  Company,  on the validity of the issuance of the shares
being registered.

In rendering this opinion,  I, or attorneys under my supervision,  have examined
the Plan, the Company's Charter and By-laws as presently in effect,  the minutes
of applicable Board meetings relating to the Plan, and such other records of the
Company which I deem necessary under the circumstances.

Based on the foregoing, I am of the opinion that:

          1)   The  Company is duly  organized,  existing  and in good  standing
               under the laws of the State of Connecticut.

          2)   The Company has  authority to issue  50,000,000  shares of common
               stock with no par value, of which 19,830,798 are presently issued
               and outstanding.

          3)   The  1,850,000  shares of Common  Stock  which are to be  offered
               pursuant to said Registration Statement when sold as contemplated
               by the Registration  Statement,  will be duly and validly issued,
               fully-paid and nonassessable.




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I hereby consent to the inclusion in said Registration Statement of this opinion
as an exhibit thereto.

Sincerely yours,



/s/ Robert C. Walker
ROBERT C. WALKER
Senior Vice President
and General Counsel




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