EXHIBIT 5.1


                                 October 9, 1998

The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc.
1501 Lady Street
Columbia, South Carolina 29201

Gentlemen:

     In connection with the registration under the Securities Act of 1933 
(the "Act") of 1,250,000 shares of the common stock (the "Common Stock") of 
The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc., a South Carolina corporation (the "Company"), 
for issuance pursuant to The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc. 1996 Stock Option Plan 
for Employees, we have examined such corporate records, certificates and 
other documents, and such questions of law, as we have considered necessary 
or appropriate for the purposes of this opinion.

     Upon the basis of such examination it is our opinion that the Common 
Stock, when issued upon the terms and conditions set forth in the 
Registration Statement filed by the Company in connection with the 
registration of the Common Stock, and upon receipt of the consideration 
therefor will be legally issued, fully paid and nonassessable.

     We consent to be named in the Registration Statement as attorneys who 
will pass upon certain legal matters in connection with the offering 
described in the Registration Statement, and to the filing of a copy of this 
opinion as an exhibit to the Registration Statement. In giving such consent, 
we do not thereby admit that we are in the category of persons whose consent 
is required under Section 7 of the Act.

                                       Very truly yours,

                                       /s/ Sinkler & Boyd, P.A.

                                       Sinkler & Boyd, P.A.