Insurance Museum awarded grant by
The National Lottery Heritage Fund

We are thrilled to announce we have been awarded a £249,700 grant from The National Lottery Heritage Fund.

Howard Benge, IM Director and John Bissell, IM Deputy Chairman
with The National Lottery Heritage Fund grant cheque

Welcome to the
Insurance Museum (IM)

Working to share with all audiences,
the incredible story of insurance,
past, present and future.

Support our vision...

Why an Insurance Museum?

The history of insurance dates back thousands of years to China, where traders would organise goods between several boats to spread risk. The Great Fire of London in 1666 sparked off the creation of fire insurance companies in Britain. Insurance supported Eighteenth century innovators and entrepreneurs that led to the Industrial Revolution and at the same time, marine insurers supported traders who helped to establish the economic success of the United Kingdom.

Late twentieth century events include the Piper Alpha disaster and recovering damaged satellites from space.

This history helps us see how insurance works, whether that is enabling people to drive a car or developing innovative ideas into something real.

The Insurance Museum will aim to tell these stories, but also explore future challenges, and deepen people’s knowledge and understanding.

How you can support ​

IM-Square-CMYK

Donate
Corporate Donation
Become a founding Member of the IM
Object Donation

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Insurance Museum Sponsors 2026

Market organisations endorsing the Insurance Museum

Registered Charity address:
C/o Chartered Insurance Institute
3rd Floor, 20 Fenchurch Street,
London EC3M 3BY
Charity No. 1188138

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