British Insurance Association

The formation of an association of insurance offices of all types of business was suggested at a meeting of the Fire Offices Committee on 28 July 1916. Initially, a sub-committee was set up to monitor legislation affecting insurance companies, while an association of composite offices was being formed to consider "questions affecting the interests of insurance both at home and abroad". In 1917, this resulted in the British Insurance Association, with a brief to provide information and express views to government departments and other bodies requiring help or advice on insurance problems, and to monitor affairs worldwide which might affect member offices. This was felt to be particularly important in the years immediately after World War I. During the 1920s the Association's work declined, but the worldwide economic and political crises of the 1930s revived interest in its functions as an umbrella organization with wider scope and powers, including investment protection. It became actively involved in liaising with various Boards and legislative committees, such as the Cassel Committee on compulsory insurance.

Until 1956, the BIA mainly worked through its chairman and the General Purposes Committee, who were empowered to act when necessary. The General Purposes Committee devolved many of its functions to sub-committees co-opted from members with relevant expertise, and these in turn delegated to sub-sub-committees. In 1956, these sub-committees were renamed committees, and their subsidiaries consequently became sub-committees. From 1945, the BIA also represented its members' interests in matters concerning nationalization, and successfully negotiated several agreements with nationalized bodies. It was also closely involved with work on metrication, decimalization, company law, health and safety.

The BIA's nationalisation work had shown it that public opinion was a potent force, and it accordingly began a public relations programme of lectures, films and press releases about insurance matters, as well as participating in major exhibitions in Britain and abroad. Until 1953 the BIA had no offices of its own. From 1918 to 1937 it was at St Michael's Rectory, Cornhill, the business address of its secretary. In 1937 it moved to 19a Coleman Street, the headquarters of the Equitable Life, and also the business address of its chairman. In 1953 it moved to Estates House, 66 Gresham Street; in 1957 to Barrington House, 59-67 Gresham Street; and for a few weeks in 1962 to Abacus House, 33 Gutter Lane, before finally moving on 30 June 1962 to Aldermary House, Queen Street. This building also housed a number of other insurance associations.

In 1985, the British Insurance Association was abolished and its functions transferred to the Association of British Insurers.