A Quick History of Insurance

A quick history of insurance

“Insuring the World: A Story Worth Telling"

What do we do with insurance history?

Howard Benge, Director of the Insurance Museum

Insurance is a very broad subject that goes back 100s of years and shapes every corner of modern life. Risk management goes back further well into prehistory. Join Howard Benge, Director of the Insurance Museum, for an engaging exploration of how the Museum is preserving and sharing this powerful narrative, including early marine and fire insurance, life assurance, the bustling coffee houses, and the professionalisation of the sector. You will discover how the Insurance Museum’s objects, stories and outreach are bringing insurance history to life for the public, schools, and the profession itself, telling the global story of insurance, past, present and future.

Why attend:

·         Gain fresh insights into the evolution of insurance – from marine risk to modern markets.

·         Learn how the Insurance Museum is educating and inspiring the next generation, bringing new recruits to the profession.

·         Find out how you can play a role in supporting this vital cultural and educational project.

The Insurance Museum is more than a museum — it is a national storytelling project with a global message. But it needs champions.

As a valued member, your support — financial, professional, and practical — can make a lasting impact. Whether through sponsorship, advocacy, or sharing expertise, there is a way for every member to contribute.

Let us make sure the story of insurance is preserved, celebrated, and shared for generations to come.

Howard Benge, Bio

Howard Benge is a heritage specialist, who has worked across museums, archives, libraries and historic properties, specialising in education and public programmes. For the past 15 years, he has worked with the City of London’s heritage, in the London Archives, Guildhall Library, City of London Police Museum, Guildhall Art Gallery, London’s Roman Amphitheatre and the Billingsgate Roman House and Baths.