QuickLinks -- Click here to rapidly navigate through this document

EXHIBIT 16

Office of the Chief Accountant
Securities and Exchange Commission
450 Fifth Street, N.W.
Washington, DC 20549

June 3, 2002

Dear Sir/Madam:

We have read the first four paragraphs of Item 4 included in the Form 8-K dated June 3, 2002 of The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc. to be filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission and are in agreement with the statements contained therein.

Very truly yours,

/s/ Arthur Andersen LLP

cc: Mr. John E. Natili, President and Chief Executive Officer, The Seibels Bruce Group, Inc.

QuickLinks

EXHIBIT 16