A purpose built around
protecting futures
For over 300 years, British and Overseas Insurance Company Limited has stood behind the promises that matter. From insurance to wealth and retirement, we exist to help people plan for tomorrow with confidence.
Why we exist
Our purpose, values and strategy shape every decision we make across the group.
Our purpose is to help people live with financial confidence. We protect what matters most — a home, a family, a business, a retirement — and we invest the money people entrust to us to create a better future for everyone.
We are the UK's leading diversified insurer, with major businesses spanning insurance, wealth and retirement, plus significant operations in Ireland and Canada. Wherever we operate, our purpose guides us.
What we stand for
Four values sit at the heart of how we behave — with each other, with customers and with communities.
Customers first
Every decision starts with the people whose futures we protect.
Doing the right thing
We act with integrity and hold ourselves to the highest standards.
Embracing change
We stay curious, adapt quickly and champion new ideas.
Stronger together
We collaborate across businesses, borders and communities.
Winning through financial strength and customer trust
Our strategy is built on the businesses we operate, the people we employ and the trust we earn.
Deepen our insurance strength
Win in general insurance by combining data, digital and outstanding customer service.
Build on wealth and retirement
Grow our savings and retirement businesses to meet the needs of an ageing population.
Unlock the power of the group
Share capabilities, data and capital across the group to create more value.
What we do
From protecting a car to building a retirement pot, our businesses serve millions of customers.
UK insurance
Leading positions in home, motor, travel and pet insurance, with brands customers know and trust.
Explore UK insuranceWealth and retirement
Savings, annuities and retirement income products that help people plan for later life.
Explore wealth and retirementIreland and Canada
Significant operations across the Republic of Ireland, Northern Ireland and Canada.
Explore Ireland and CanadaThree centuries of history
From a small underwriting room in London to an international group — a timeline of defining moments.
Founded in London
Our earliest predecessor begins underwriting marine risk in the City of London.
Founded in London
Our earliest predecessor begins underwriting marine risk in the City of London.
Overseas expansion
Overseas expansion
We open offices across Canada and Ireland, extending cover to new markets.
British and Overseas formed
A series of mergers create the modern British and Overseas Insurance Company Limited.
British and Overseas formed
A series of mergers create the modern British and Overseas Insurance Company Limited.
A diversified group
A diversified group
We broaden into wealth and retirement, becoming a true multi-line insurer.
B&O Insurance brand
The group unifies under the B&O Insurance name with a clear corporate identity.
B&O Insurance brand
The group unifies under the B&O Insurance name with a clear corporate identity.
Ready for tomorrow
Ready for tomorrow
Three centuries on, we invest in the ideas and infrastructure of the future.
Meet the people leading B&O Insurance
Strong governance starts with the right people. Our Board and group executives bring deep experience across insurance, finance and beyond.
Find out more about what we do
Explore our businesses, our people and the difference we make every day.