CHUBB CORP
S-3, 1998-09-10
FIRE, MARINE & CASUALTY INSURANCE
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<PAGE>   1
 
   AS FILED WITH THE SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION ON SEPTEMBER 10, 1998
 
                                                     REGISTRATION NO. 333-
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
 
                       SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
                             WASHINGTON, D.C. 20549
                            ------------------------
 
                                    FORM S-3
            REGISTRATION STATEMENT UNDER THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933
                            ------------------------
 
                             THE CHUBB CORPORATION
      (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AND GUARANTOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
                    NEW JERSEY                                          13-2595722
 (STATE OR OTHER JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR          (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
                   ORGANIZATION)
</TABLE>
 
   15 MOUNTAIN VIEW ROAD, P.O. BOX 1615, WARREN, NEW JERSEY 07061-1615 (908)
                                    903-2000
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                            ------------------------
 
                 HENRY G. GULICK, VICE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY
                             THE CHUBB CORPORATION
   15 MOUNTAIN VIEW ROAD, P.O. BOX 1615, WARREN, NEW JERSEY 07061-1615 (908)
                                    903-3576
 
                                WITH A COPY TO:
                               FRANCIS J. MORISON
                             DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL
  450 LEXINGTON AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017     TELEPHONE (212) 450-4000
 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
                            ------------------------
 
                           CHUBB CAPITAL CORPORATION
      (EXACT NAME OF REGISTRANT AND GUARANTOR AS SPECIFIED IN ITS CHARTER)
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                 <C>
                    NEW JERSEY                                          13-3339467
    (STATE OR JURISDICTION OF INCORPORATION OR             (I.R.S. EMPLOYER IDENTIFICATION NO.)
                   ORGANIZATION)
</TABLE>
 
   15 MOUNTAIN VIEW ROAD, P.O. BOX 1615, WARREN, NEW JERSEY 07061-1615 (908)
                                    903-2000
  (ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE, OF
                   REGISTRANT'S PRINCIPAL EXECUTIVE OFFICES)
                            ------------------------
 
                 HENRY G. GULICK, VICE PRESIDENT AND SECRETARY
                           CHUBB CAPITAL CORPORATION
   15 MOUNTAIN VIEW ROAD, P.O. BOX 1615, WARREN, NEW JERSEY 07061-1615 (908)
                                    903-3576
 
                                WITH A COPY TO:
                               FRANCIS J. MORISON
                             DAVIS POLK & WARDWELL
                 450 LEXINGTON AVENUE, NEW YORK, NEW YORK 10017
                           TELEPHONE: (212) 450-4000
 (NAME, ADDRESS, INCLUDING ZIP CODE, AND TELEPHONE NUMBER, INCLUDING AREA CODE,
                             OF AGENT FOR SERVICE)
 
    APPROXIMATE DATE OF COMMENCEMENT OF PROPOSED SALE TO PUBLIC:  From time to
time after the effective date of this Registration Statement.
 
    If the only securities being registered on this Form are being offered
pursuant to dividend or interest reinvestment plans, please check the following
box. [ ]
 
    If any of the securities being registered on this Form are to be offered on
a delayed or continuous basis pursuant to Rule 415 under the Securities Act of
1933, other than securities offered only in connection with dividend or interest
reinvestment plans, check the following box. [X]
 
    If this form is filed to register additional securities for an offering
pursuant to Rule 462(b) under the Securities Act, please check the following box
and list the Securities Act registration statement number of the earlier
effective registration statement for the same offering. [ ]
 
    If this form is a post-effective amendment filed pursuant to Rule 462(c)
under the Securities Act, check the following box and list the Securities Act
registration number of the earlier effective registration statement for the same
offering. [ ]
 
    If delivery of the prospectus is expected to be made pursuant to Rule 434,
please check the following box. [ ]
 
                        CALCULATION OF REGISTRATION FEE
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
      TITLE OF EACH CLASS OF         AMOUNT TO BE         PROPOSED MAXIMUM              PROPOSED MAXIMUM            AMOUNT OF
   SECURITIES BEING REGISTERED       REGISTERED(1)   AGGREGATE PRICE PER UNIT(2)   AGGREGATE OFFERING PRICE(2)   REGISTRATION FEE
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<S>                                 <C>              <C>                           <C>                           <C>
Debt Securities, Guaranteed Debt
  Securities, Common Stock,
  Preferred Stock, Depositary
  Shares and Warrants.............  $600,000,000(3)       100%                        $600,000,000                 $177,000
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Guarantees of Guaranteed Debt
  Securities......................        --               (4)                                 (4)                   None
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
</TABLE>
 
    (1) Or, if any securities are issued at original issue discount, such
        greater amount as shall result in an initial aggregate offering price of
        $600,000,000.
 
    (2) Estimated solely for the purpose of calculating the registration fee in
        accordance with Rule 457 under the Securities Act of 1933.
 
    (3) Or an equivalent amount in a foreign currency or currencies.
 
    (4) No proceeds will be received by The Chubb Corporation for the
        Guarantees.
                            ------------------------
    THE REGISTRANT HEREBY AMENDS THIS REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON SUCH DATE OR
DATES AS MAY BE NECESSARY TO DELAY ITS EFFECTIVE DATE UNTIL THE REGISTRANT SHALL
FILE A FURTHER AMENDMENT WHICH SPECIFICALLY STATES THAT THIS REGISTRATION
STATEMENT SHALL THEREAFTER BECOME EFFECTIVE IN ACCORDANCE WITH SECTION 8(a) OF
THE SECURITIES ACT OF 1933 OR UNTIL THE REGISTRATION STATEMENT SHALL BECOME
EFFECTIVE ON SUCH DATE AS THE COMMISSION, ACTING PURSUANT TO SAID SECTION 8(a),
MAY DETERMINE.
 
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
- --------------------------------------------------------------------------------
<PAGE>   2
 
INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN IS SUBJECT TO COMPLETION OR AMENDMENT. A
REGISTRATION STATEMENT RELATING TO THESE SECURITIES HAS BEEN FILED WITH THE
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION. THESE SECURITIES MAY NOT BE SOLD NOR MAY
OFFERS TO BUY BE ACCEPTED PRIOR TO THE TIME A FINAL PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT IS
DELIVERED. THIS PROSPECTUS SHALL NOT CONSTITUTE AN OFFER TO SELL OR THE
SOLICITATION OF AN OFFER TO BUY NOR SHALL THERE BE ANY SALE OF THESE SECURITIES
IN ANY STATE IN WHICH SUCH OFFER, SOLICITATION OR SALE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL PRIOR
TO REGISTRATION OR QUALIFICATION UNDER THE SECURITIES LAWS OF ANY SUCH STATE.
 
                SUBJECT TO COMPLETION, DATED SEPTEMBER 10, 1998
PROSPECTUS
 
(LOGO)
                               U.S. $600,000,000
 
                             THE CHUBB CORPORATION
               DEBT SECURITIES, PREFERRED STOCK AND COMMON STOCK
                   CHUBB CAPITAL CORPORATION DEBT SECURITIES
                  GUARANTEED TO THE EXTENT SET FORTH HEREIN BY
                             THE CHUBB CORPORATION
                                      AND
                   WARRANTS TO PURCHASE THE ABOVE SECURITIES
                            ------------------------
 
    The Chubb Corporation ("Chubb") may from time to time offer, together or
separately, its (i) debt securities (the "Debt Securities") which may be either
senior debt securities (the "Senior Debt Securities") or subordinated debt
securities (the "Subordinated Debt Securities"), (ii) shares of preferred stock
(the "Preferred Stock"), which may be issued in the form of Depositary Shares
(as defined below) evidenced by Depositary Receipts (as defined below), and
(iii) shares of common stock, $1.00 par value per share (the "Common Stock").
Subordinated Debt Securities or Preferred Stock may be convertible into Common
Stock.
 
    Chubb Capital Corporation ("Capital," collectively with Chubb, the
"Issuers") may also offer from time to time its debt securities (the "Guaranteed
Debt Securities") which may be either senior debt securities (the "Guaranteed
Senior Debt Securities") or subordinated debt securities (the "Guaranteed
Subordinated Debt Securities"). The payment of principal of and premium, if any,
and interest on the Guaranteed Debt Securities is unconditionally guaranteed by
Chubb. Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities may be convertible into Common
Stock.
 
    Chubb or Chubb Capital may also from time to time offer warrants for the
purchase of the above-mentioned securities (the "Warrants"), in amounts, at
prices and on terms to be determined at the time of the offering.
 
    The Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Common Stock, Guaranteed Debt
Securities and Warrants are collectively called the "Securities." The Securities
offered pursuant to this Prospectus may be issued in one or more series or
issuances and will be limited to the initial public offering price of
$600,000,000 (or its equivalent in one or more foreign currencies, currency
units or composite currencies). Specific terms of the securities in respect of
which this Prospectus is being delivered ("Offered Securities") will be set
forth in an accompanying Prospectus Supplement ("Prospectus Supplement"),
together with the terms of the offering of the Offered Securities, the initial
price thereof and the net proceeds from the sale thereof. The Prospectus
Supplement will set forth with regard to the particular Offered Securities,
without limitation, the following: (i) in the case of Debt Securities or
Guaranteed Debt Securities, whether the Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt
Securities are senior debt securities or subordinated debt securities, the
specific designation, aggregate principal amount or method of calculation of
principal amount, authorized denomination, maturity, rate (which may be fixed or
variable) or method of calculation of interest and dates for payment thereof,
and any exchangeability, conversion, redemption, prepayment or sinking fund
provisions and any listing on a securities exchange, (ii) in the case of
Preferred Stock, the designation, number of shares or fractional interests
therein, liquidation preference per security, initial public offering price,
dividend rate (or method of calculation thereof), dates on which dividends shall
be payable and dates from which dividends shall accrue, any voting rights, any
redemption, conversion or exchange provisions, any other rights, preferences,
privileges, limitations, and restrictions relating to the Preferred Stock, and
any listing on a securities exchange and (iii) in the case of Warrants, the
duration, purchase price, exercise price and detachability of such Warrants and
a description of the securities for which each Warrant is exercisable.
 
    Chubb's Common Stock is listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the
trading symbol "CB."
 
    Unless otherwise specified in a Prospectus Supplement, the Senior Debt
Securities or Guaranteed Senior Debt Securities, when issued, will be unsecured
and will rank equally with all other unsecured and unsubordinated indebtedness
of Chubb or Capital, respectively. The Subordinated Debt Securities or
Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities, when issued, will be subordinated in
right of payment to all Senior Indebtedness (as defined below) of Chubb or
Capital, respectively.
 
    The Offered Securities may be offered directly, through agents designated
from time to time, through dealers or through underwriters. Such agents or
underwriters may act alone or with other agents or underwriters. See "Plan of
Distribution." Any such agents, dealers or underwriters will be set forth in a
Prospectus Supplement. If an agent of Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, or a
dealer or underwriter is involved in the offering of the Offered Securities, the
agent's commission, dealer's purchase price, underwriter's discount and net
proceeds to Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, will be set forth in, or may
be calculated from, the Prospectus Supplement. Any underwriters, dealers or
agents participating in the offering may be deemed "underwriters" within the
meaning of the Securities Act of 1933.
 
    This Prospectus may not be used to consummate sales of Offered Securities
unless accompanied by a Prospectus Supplement.
                            ------------------------
 
  THESE SECURITIES HAVE NOT BEEN APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED BY THE SECURITIES AND
 EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE SECURITIES COMMISSION NOR HAS THE SECURITIES
  AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION OR ANY STATE COMMISSION PASSED UPON THE ACCURACY OR
 ADEQUACY OF THIS PROSPECTUS. ANY REPRESENTATION TO THE CONTRARY IS A CRIMINAL
                                    OFFENSE.
                            ------------------------
 
               The date of this Prospectus is            , 1998.
<PAGE>   3
 
     CERTAIN PERSONS PARTICIPATING IN AN OFFERING MAY ENGAGE IN TRANSACTIONS
THAT STABILIZE, MAINTAIN OR OTHERWISE AFFECT THE PRICE OF THE OFFERED
SECURITIES, INCLUDING OVER-ALLOTMENT, STABILIZING AND SHORT-COVERING
TRANSACTIONS IN SUCH OFFERED SECURITIES, AND THE IMPOSITION OF A PENALTY BID, IN
CONNECTION WITH SUCH OFFERING. FOR A DESCRIPTION OF THESE ACTIVITIES, SEE
"UNDERWRITING" IN THE APPLICABLE PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT.
 
     No dealer, salesman or other person has been authorized to give any
information or to make any representation not contained or incorporated by
reference in this Prospectus or any Prospectus Supplement, and, if given or
made, such information or representation must not be relied upon as having been
authorized by Chubb, Capital or by any underwriter, agent or dealer. This
Prospectus and any Prospectus Supplement shall not constitute an offer to sell
or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities offered hereby in any
jurisdiction to any person to whom it is unlawful to make such offer or
solicitation in such jurisdiction. Neither the delivery of this Prospectus and
any Prospectus Supplement nor any sale made thereunder shall, under any
circumstances, create any implication that the information therein is correct as
of any time subsequent to the date thereof.
                            ------------------------
 
                             AVAILABLE INFORMATION
 
     Chubb is subject to the informational requirements of the Securities
Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"), and in accordance
therewith files reports, proxy statements and other information with the
Securities and Exchange Commission (the "Commission"). The registration
statement of which this Prospectus forms a part, as well as reports, proxy
statements and other information filed by Chubb, may be inspected and copied at
the public reference facilities maintained by the Commission at 450 Fifth
Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549, 7 World Trade Center, New York, New York
10048; and Northwestern Atrium Center, 500 West Madison Street, 14th Floor,
Chicago, Illinois 60661-2511. Copies of such material can be obtained at
prescribed rates from the Public Reference Section of the Commission at 450
Fifth Street, N.W., Washington, D.C. 20549. The Commission also maintains a web
site at http://www.sec.gov containing reports, proxy and information statements,
and other information regarding registrants, including the Company, that file
electronically with the Commission. Chubb's Common Stock is listed on the New
York Stock Exchange and reports and other information herein and therein
concerning Chubb can also be inspected at the office of the New York Stock
Exchange, 20 Broad Street, New York, New York 10005.
 
     This Prospectus constitutes a part of Registration Statement on Form S-3
(together with all amendments and exhibits thereto, the "Registration
Statement") filed with the Commission under the Securities Act of 1933 (the
"Securities Act") with respect to the Offered Securities. This Prospectus does
not contain all of the information set forth in such Registration Statement,
certain parts of which are omitted in accordance with the rules and regulations
of the Commission. Reference is made to such Registration Statement and to the
exhibits relating thereto for further information with respect to Chubb and
Capital and the Offered Securities. Any statements contained herein concerning
the provisions of any document filed as an exhibit to the Registration Statement
or otherwise filed with the Commission or incorporated by reference herein are
not necessarily complete, and in each instance reference is made to the copy of
such document so filed for a more complete description of the matter involved.
Each such statement is qualified in its entirety by such reference.
 
               INCORPORATION OF CERTAIN INFORMATION BY REFERENCE
 
     The Annual Report on Form 10-K of Chubb for the year ended December 31,
1997 and the Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q of Chubb for the quarters ended
March 31 and June 30, 1998, each of which has been filed with the Commission,
and is hereby incorporated by reference.
 
                                        2
<PAGE>   4
 
     All documents filed by Chubb after the date of this Prospectus pursuant to
Sections 13(a), 13(c), 14 and 15(d) of the Exchange Act, prior to the
termination of the offering of the Offered Securities offered hereby, shall be
deemed to be incorporated herein by reference and to be a part hereof from the
date of such documents. Any statement contained in a document incorporated or
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein shall be deemed to be modified or
superseded for purposes of this Prospectus to the extent that a statement
contained herein or in any other subsequently filed document which also is or is
deemed to be incorporated by reference herein modifies or supersedes such
statement. Any such statements as modified or superseded shall be deemed, except
as so modified or superseded, to constitute a part of this Prospectus.
 
     Chubb will provide without charge to each person to whom a copy of this
Prospectus is delivered, upon written or oral request of such person, a copy of
any or all of the documents referred to above which have been or may be
incorporated by reference in this Prospectus (other than certain exhibits to
such documents). Requests for such documents should be directed to The Chubb
Corporation, 15 Mountain View Road, P.O. Box 1615, Warren, New Jersey
07061-1615, Attention: Corporate Secretary (Telephone: (908) 903-3576).
 
                                  THE ISSUERS
 
     Chubb, organized in 1967 as a New Jersey corporation, is a holding company
with subsidiaries primarily engaged in the property and casualty insurance
business. Chubb traces its history back to the formation in 1882 of Chubb & Son,
an underwriter and manager of insurance companies, and the founding in 1901 of
its principal property and casualty insurance subsidiary, Federal Insurance
Company. Since its founding as a specialized manager of marine insurance,
Chubb's property and casualty business has expanded to include most forms of
property and casualty coverages. The Company's property and casualty insurance
subsidiaries provide insurance coverages principally in the United States,
Canada, Europe and parts of Australia, Latin America and the Far East. The
Company and its subsidiaries employed approximately 11,000 persons worldwide on
December 31, 1997.
 
     Chubb is a holding company whose primary source of funds for the payment of
interest on its obligations or dividends to its stockholders is dividends from
its subsidiaries. The amount of dividend distributions to Chubb from its
insurance subsidiaries may be restricted by state insurance laws and regulations
as administered by state insurance departments.
 
     Chubb's principal executive office is located at 15 Mountain View Road,
P.O. Box 1615, Warren, New Jersey 07061-1615, and its telephone number is (908)
903-2000.
 
     Capital, organized in 1986 as a New Jersey corporation, is engaged in the
business of borrowing by issuing unsecured securities and lending money to Chubb
and affiliates of Chubb. Capital's principal executive office is located at 15
Mountain View Road, P.O. Box 1615, Warren, New Jersey 07061-1615, and its
telephone number is (908) 903-2000.
 
            RATIO OF CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES OF CHUBB
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                    SIX MONTHS
                                                  YEARS ENDED DECEMBER 31,            ENDED
                                            ------------------------------------     JUNE 30,
                                            1993    1994    1995    1996    1997       1998
                                            ----    ----    ----    ----    ----    ----------
<S>                                         <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>     <C>
Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed
  Charges.................................  2.73    5.81    7.63    6.30    10.71     20.18
</TABLE>
 
     For the purpose of computing the above ratios of consolidated earnings to
fixed charges, earnings consist of income from continuing operations before
income taxes and the cumulative effect of changes in accounting principles, plus
those fixed charges that were charged against income. Fixed charges consist of
interest expense before reduction for capitalized interest and the portion of
rental expense (net of rental income from subleased properties) which is
considered to be representative of the interest factors in the leases.
 
                                        3
<PAGE>   5
 
                                USE OF PROCEEDS
 
     Proceeds from the sale of Debt Securities, Preferred Stock, Common Stock
and Warrants will be used by Chubb for general corporate purposes. All or a
substantial portion of the proceeds from the sale of Guaranteed Debt Securities
will be lent by Capital to Chubb or its affiliates, and Chubb or such affiliate
will use such proceeds for general corporate purposes. Proceeds from the sale of
Securities initially may be temporarily invested in short-term securities.
 
               DESCRIPTION OF THE INDENTURES, THE DEBT SECURITIES
                       AND THE GUARANTEED DEBT SECURITIES
 
     The Debt Securities are to be issued under (i) in the case of the Senior
Debt Securities, an indenture (the "Senior Indenture"), dated as of October 25,
1989, between Chubb and The First National Bank of Chicago, as trustee (the
"Trustee"), or (ii) in the case of the Subordinated Debt Securities, an
indenture (the "Subordinated Indenture"), to be executed by Chubb and the
Trustee. The Guaranteed Debt Securities are to be issued under (i) in the case
of the Guaranteed Senior Debt Securities, an indenture (the "Senior Capital
Indenture"), dated as of October 25, 1989, between Capital, Chubb, as guarantor,
and the Trustee, or (ii) in the case of the Guaranteed Subordinated Debt
Securities, an indenture (the "Subordinated Capital Indenture") to be executed
by Capital, Chubb, as guarantor, and the Trustee. Copies of the Senior
Indenture, the Subordinated Indenture, the Senior Capital Indenture and the
Subordinated Capital Indenture (each an "Indenture," collectively the
"Indentures") have been filed as exhibits to the Registration Statement of which
this Prospectus forms a part. The terms of each Indenture are the same in all
material respects, except as described below. The following is a summary of
certain provisions of each Indenture and does not purport to be complete.
Reference is made to each Indenture for a complete statement of such provisions.
Certain capitalized terms used below are defined in each Indenture and have the
meanings given them in each Indenture. Section references are to each Indenture.
Wherever particular sections or defined terms of each Indenture are referred to,
such sections or defined terms are incorporated by reference as part of the
statements made, and the statement is qualified in its entirety by such
reference.
 
     The Prospectus Supplement will contain any additional or revised
information with respect to the senior and subordinated debt outstanding as of
the date of the Prospectus Supplement.
 
                  TERMS APPLICABLE TO BOTH THE DEBT SECURITIES
                       AND THE GUARANTEED DEBT SECURITIES
 
GENERAL
 
     None of the Indentures limit the amount of debentures, notes or other
evidences of indebtedness which may be issued thereunder. Each Indenture
provides that Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities, as the case may be,
may be issued from time to time in one or more series and may be denominated and
payable in foreign currencies or units based on or relating to foreign
currencies, including European Currency Units ("ECUs"). Special United States
federal income tax considerations applicable to any Debt Securities or
Guaranteed Debt Securities, as the case may be, so denominated will be described
in the relevant Prospectus Supplement.
 
     The Debt Securities issued under the Senior Indenture will be unsecured
obligations of Chubb. The Guaranteed Debt Securities issued under the Senior
Capital Indenture will be unsecured obligations of Capital. The Debt Securities
issued under the Subordinated Indenture will be subordinate and junior in right
of payment to the extent and in the manner set forth in the Subordinated
Indenture to all Senior Indebtedness of Chubb. The Guaranteed Debt Securities
issued under the Subordinated Capital Indenture will be subordinate and junior
in right of payment to
 
                                        4
<PAGE>   6
 
the extent and in the manner set forth in the Subordinated Capital Indenture to
all Senior Indebtedness of Capital (see "Subordination").
 
     Reference is made to the Prospectus Supplement for the following terms of
the Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities, as the case may be, (to the
extent such terms are applicable to such Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt
Securities and are not set forth herein) offered pursuant thereto (the "Offered
Debt Securities"): (i) whether the Offered Debt Securities will be Debt
Securities issued by Chubb or Guaranteed Debt Securities issued by Capital; (ii)
designation, aggregate principal amount, purchase price and denomination; (iii)
currency or currency units based on or relating to currencies in which such Debt
Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities, as the case may be, are denominated
and/or in which principal (and premium, if any) and/or any interest will or may
be payable; (iv) the date of maturity; (v) the amount, if other than the
principal amount, to be paid at maturity or upon acceleration or redemption (or
method by which such amount will be determined); (vi) interest rate or rates (or
method by which such rate will be determined), if any; (vii) the dates on which
any such interest will be payable; (viii) the place or places where the
principal of and interest, if any, on the Offered Debt Securities will be
payable; (ix) any redemption or sinking fund provisions; (x) any rights of the
holders of Offered Debt Securities to convert or exchange the Offered Debt
Securities into other securities or property of Chubb or Capital, as the case
may be; and (xi) any other specific terms of the Offered Debt Securities,
including any additional events of default or covenants provided for with
respect to Offered Debt Securities, and any terms which may be required by or
advisable under United States laws or regulations.
 
     Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities may be presented for exchange
or transfer in the manner, at the places and subject to the restrictions set
forth in such Debt Securities or such Guaranteed Debt Securities, as applicable,
and the Prospectus Supplement. Such services will be provided without charge,
other than any tax or other governmental charge payable in connection therewith,
but subject to the limitations provided in the applicable Indenture.
 
     Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities will bear interest at a fixed
rate (a "Fixed Rate Security") or a floating rate (a "Floating Rate Security").
Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities bearing no interest or interest at
a rate which, at the time of issuance, is below the prevailing market rate, will
be sold at a discount below their stated principal amount. Special United States
federal income tax considerations applicable to any such discounted Debt
Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities or to certain Debt Securities or
Guaranteed Debt Securities issued at par which are treated as having been issued
at a discount for United States income tax purposes will be described in the
relevant Prospectus Supplement.
 
     Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities may be issued, from time to
time, with the principal amount payable on any principal payment date, or the
amount of interest payable on any interest payment date, to be determined by
reference to one or more currency exchange rates, commodity prices, equity
indices or other factors. Holders of such Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt
Securities may receive a principal amount on any principal payment date, or a
payment of interest on any interest payment date, that is greater than or less
than the amount of principal or interest otherwise payable on such dates,
depending upon the value on such dates of the applicable currency, commodity,
equity index or other factor. Information as to the methods of determining the
amount of principal or interest payable on any date, the currencies,
commodities, equity indices or other factors to which the amount payable on such
date is linked and certain additional tax considerations will be set forth in
the applicable Prospectus Supplement.
 
     None of the Indentures contain any covenant or other specific provision to
afford protection to holders of the Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt
Securities in the event of a highly leveraged transaction or a change in control
of Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, except to the limited extent described
under "Consolidation, Merger and Sale of Assets".
 
                                        5
<PAGE>   7
 
GUARANTEE
 
     Chubb will guarantee (each a "Guarantee") the punctual payment of the
principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the Guaranteed Debt Securities,
when and as the same are due and payable. Each Guarantee is absolute and
unconditional, irrespective of any circumstance that might otherwise constitute
a legal or equitable discharge of a surety or guarantor. Notwithstanding the
foregoing, the Guarantees of the Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities will be
subordinate and junior in right of payment to the extent and in the manner set
forth in the Subordinated Indenture to all Senior Indebtedness of Chubb. To
evidence the Guarantee, a guarantee, executed by Chubb, will be endorsed on each
Guaranteed Debt Security. (Senior Capital Indenture and Subordinated Capital
Indenture sec.sec. 3.1, 3.2)
 
SUBORDINATION
 
     The payment of the principal of, premium, if any, and interest on the
Subordinated Debt Securities or the Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities, as
the case may be, is subordinated in right of payment, as set forth in the
Subordinated Debt Securities, Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities and the
applicable Indenture, to the prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of
Chubb or Capital, as applicable, and the Guarantees are subordinated to the
prior payment in full of all Senior Indebtedness of Chubb. "Senior Indebtedness"
of Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, is defined as the principal of,
premium, if any, and unpaid interest on the following, whether outstanding at
the date of the applicable Indenture or thereafter incurred or created: (a)
indebtedness of Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, for money borrowed
(including purchase-money obligations) evidenced by notes or other written
obligations, (b) indebtedness of Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, evidenced
by notes (other than the Offered Securities), debentures, bonds or other
securities issued under the provisions of an indenture or similar instrument,
(c) obligations of Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, as lessee under
capitalized leases and leases of property made as part of any sale and leaseback
transactions, (d) indebtedness of others of any of the kinds described in the
preceding clauses (a) through (c) assumed or guaranteed by Chubb or Capital, as
the case may be, and (e) renewals, extensions and refundings of, and
indebtedness and obligations of a successor corporation issued in exchange for
or in replacement of, indebtedness or obligations of the kinds described in the
preceding clauses (a) through (d), unless in the case of any particular
indebtedness, obligation, renewal, extension or refunding the instrument
creating or evidencing the same or the assumption or guarantee thereof expressly
provides that such indebtedness, obligation, renewal, extension or refunding is
not superior in right of payment to the Subordinated Debt Securities or to the
Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities. The applicable Indentures, the
Subordinated Debt Securities and the Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities do
not limit the amount of Senior Indebtedness that may be incurred. Information
concerning the amount of Senior Indebtedness to which the Debt Securities and
the Guaranteed Debt Securities would be subordinate at a then recent date will
be set forth in the applicable Prospectus Supplement. (Subordinated Indenture
sec. 15.1; Subordinated Capital Indenture sec. 16.1)
 
     No payment on account of principal of, premium, if any, or interest on the
Subordinated Debt Securities or the Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities, as
the case may be, may be made if, at the time of such payment, there exists any
default with respect to any Senior Indebtedness and the default is the subject
of judicial proceedings or Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, receives notice
of the default from any holder of Senior Indebtedness or any trustee therefor.
Upon any acceleration of the maturity of the Subordinated Debt Securities or the
Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities, as the case may be, by reason of any
Event of Default (as defined below), Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, must
give notice of the acceleration to holders of the Senior Indebtedness and may
not pay holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities or the Guaranteed
Subordinated Debt Securities, as applicable, until 120 days after the
acceleration and then only if such payment is otherwise permitted at that time.
The terms of the Subordinated Indenture and the
 
                                        6
<PAGE>   8
 
Subordinated Capital Indenture provide that neither Chubb nor Capital will issue
any subordinated debt unless such debt is pari passu with the Subordinated Debt
Securities or the Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities. In the event of any
payment or distribution of assets or securities of Chubb or Capital, as the case
may be, upon any dissolution, winding up, total or partial liquidation or
reorganization of or similar proceeding relating to Chubb or Capital, as the
case may be, all principal of, premium, if any, and interest due on all Senior
Indebtedness of Chubb or Capital, as applicable, must be paid in full before the
holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities or the Guaranteed Subordinated Debt
Securities are entitled to receive or retain any payment. By reason of such
subordination, in the event of insolvency, creditors of Chubb and/or Capital who
are holders of Senior Indebtedness of Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, as
well as general creditors of Chubb and/or Capital, may recover more, ratably,
than the holders of the Subordinated Debt Securities or the Guaranteed
Subordinated Debt Securities, as the case may be. (Subordinated Indenture
sec.sec. 15.1, 15.2, 15.3; Subordinated Capital Indenture sec.sec. 16.1, 16.2,
16.3)
 
MODIFICATION AND WAIVER
 
     Modifications and amendments of any Indenture may be made by Chubb, and in
the case of Indentures to which it is a party, Capital, and the Trustee, with
the consent of the record holders of a majority in aggregate principal amount of
the outstanding securities issued under the Indenture which are affected by the
modification or amendment provided that no such modification or amendment may,
without the consent of the record holder of each such security affected thereby,
among other things: (a) extend the final maturity of any security, or reduce the
principal amount thereof, or reduce the rate or extend the time of payment of
interest thereon, or reduce any amount payable on redemption thereof, or reduce
the amount of the principal of an Original Issue Discount Security that would be
due and payable upon an acceleration of the maturity thereof or the amount
thereof provable in bankruptcy, or change the currency of payment of principal
of or interest on any security, or extend the time or reduce the amount of any
payment to any sinking fund or analogous obligation relating to any security, or
impair or affect the right of any security holder to institute suit for the
payment thereof or, if the relevant securities provide therefor, any right of
repayment at the option of the security holder (b) reduce the aforesaid
percentage of securities of any series, the consent of the holders of which is
required for any such supplemental indenture, or (c) reduce the percentage of
securities of any series necessary to consent to waive any past default under
the Indenture to less than a majority, or (d) modify any of the provisions of
the sections of such Indenture relating to supplemental indentures with the
consent of the holders of securities, except to increase any such percentage or
to provide that certain other provisions of the Indenture cannot be modified or
waived without the consent of the holder of each security affected thereby,
provided, however, that this clause shall not be deemed to require the consent
of any holder with respect to changes in the references to "the Trustee" and
concomitant changes in such section or the deletion of this proviso. (Senior
Indenture and Subordinated Indenture sec. 8.2; Senior Capital Indenture and
Subordinated Capital Indenture sec. 9.2)
 
     A supplemental indenture which changes or eliminates any covenant or other
provision of any Indenture which has expressly been included solely for the
benefit of one or more particular series of securities, or which modifies the
rights of the holders of securities of such series with respect to such covenant
or other provision, shall be deemed not to affect the rights under the Indenture
of the holders of securities of any other series. (Senior Indenture and
Subordinated Indenture sec. 8.2; Senior Capital Indenture and Subordinated
Capital Indenture sec. 9.2)
 
     Modifications and amendments of any Indenture may be made by Chubb and in
the case of Indentures to which it is a party, Capital and the Trustee, without
the consent of the holders of any series of securities issued thereunder: (1) to
secure any securities issued thereunder; (2) to evidence the succession of
another corporation to Chubb or Capital and the assumption by any such successor
of the covenants, agreements and obligations of Chubb or Capital, as the case
may be, in the Indenture and in the securities issued thereunder; (3) to add to
the covenants of Chubb or
 
                                        7
<PAGE>   9
 
Capital or to add any additional events of default; (4) to cure any ambiguity,
to correct or supplement any provision in such Indenture that may be
inconsistent with any other provision of such Indenture or to make any other
provisions with respect to matters or questions arising under such Indenture,
provided that such action shall not adversely affect the interests of the
holders of any series of securities issued thereunder; (5) to establish the form
and terms of securities issued thereunder; (6) to evidence and provide for a
successor Trustee under such Indenture with respect to one or more series of
securities issued thereunder or to provide for or facilitate the administration
of the trusts under the Indenture by more than one trustee; (7) to permit or
facilitate the issuance of securities in bearer form or to provide for
uncertificated securities to be issued thereunder; or (8) to change or eliminate
any provision of such Indenture, provided that any such change or elimination
shall become effective only when there is no security outstanding of any series
created prior to the execution of such supplemental indenture which is entitled
to the benefit of such provision. (Senior Indenture and Subordinated Indenture
sec. 8.1; Senior Capital Indenture and Subordinated Capital Indenture sec. 9.1)
 
EVENTS OF DEFAULT
 
     The following will be events of default (each an "Event of Default") under
each Indenture with respect to each series of Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt
Securities: (a) failure to pay principal (or premium, if any) on any of the
securities of such series outstanding under such Indenture when due; (b) failure
to pay any interest on any of the securities of such series outstanding under
such Indenture when due, continued for 30 days; (c) default in the payment, if
any, of any sinking fund installment when due, payable by the terms of
securities of such series; (d) failure to perform any other covenant of Chubb or
Capital, as the case may be, contained in such Indenture continued for 60 days
after written notice; and (e) certain events of bankruptcy, insolvency or
reorganization of Chubb or, in the case of Guaranteed Debt Securities only,
Capital. If an Event of Default shall happen and be continuing, the Trustee in
its discretion may, and at the written request of record holders of a majority
in aggregate principal amount of the securities of each series affected
outstanding under the relevant Indenture and upon being indemnified to its
satisfaction shall, proceed to protect and enforce its rights, and those of the
record holders of such securities. In case an Event of Default described in (a),
(b), (c) or (d) (if such Event of Default is with respect to less than all
series of securities under the relevant Indenture then outstanding) above shall
occur and be continuing with respect to any series of securities, the Trustee or
the holders of not less than 25% in aggregate principal amount of the securities
of such series then outstanding (each such series acting as a separate class)
may declare the principal (or, in the case of discounted Debt Securities or
discounted Guaranteed Debt Securities, the amount specified in the terms
thereof) of such series to be due and payable. In case an Event of Default
described in (d) (if such Event of Default is with respect to all series of
securities under the relevant Indenture then outstanding) or (e) above shall
occur and be continuing, the Trustee or the holders of not less than 25% in
aggregate principal amount of all securities then outstanding under the relevant
Indenture (treated as one class) may declare the principal (or, in the case of
discounted Debt Securities or discounted Guaranteed Debt Securities, the amount
specified in the terms thereof) of all outstanding securities to be due and
payable. Any Event of Default with respect to a particular series of securities
under the relevant Indenture may be waived by the holders of a majority in
aggregate principal amount of the outstanding securities of such series (or of
all the outstanding securities under the relevant Indenture, as the case may
be), except in each case a failure to pay principal of or premium, if any, or
interest on such security. (Senior Indenture and Subordinated Indenture
sec. 5.1, 5.10; Senior Capital Indenture and Subordinated Capital Indenture
sec. 6.2, 6.10)
 
     The Trustee may withhold notice to the holders of any default with respect
to any series of securities (except in payment of principal of or interest or
premium on, or sinking fund payment in respect of, the securities) if the
Trustee considers it in the interest of holders to do so. (Senior Indenture and
Subordinated Indenture sec. 5.11; Senior Capital Indenture and Subordinated
Capital Indenture sec. 6.11)
 
                                        8
<PAGE>   10
 
     Each of Chubb and Capital is required to furnish to the Trustee annually a
statement as to its performance or fulfillment of covenants, agreements or
conditions in the Indenture and as to the absence of default. (Senior Indenture
and Subordinated Indenture sec. 3.5; Senior Capital Indenture and Subordinated
Capital Indenture sec. 4.5)
 
CONSOLIDATION, MERGER AND SALE OF ASSETS
 
     Chubb may not consolidate with, merge into or sell, convey or lease all or
substantially all of its assets to any Person nor permit any Person to
consolidate with, merge into or sell, convey or lease all or substantially all
of its assets to Chubb unless Chubb is the surviving corporation or the
successor Person is a corporation organized under the laws of any domestic
jurisdiction and assumes Chubb's obligations on the Debt Securities, the
Guarantees of the Guaranteed Debt Securities, if applicable, and under the
Indentures, and after giving effect thereto no Event of Default, and no event
which, after notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default
shall have occurred and be continuing, and that certain other conditions are
met. Senior Indenture and Subordinated Indenture sec.sec. 9.1, 9.2; Senior
Capital Indenture and Subordinated Capital Indenture sec.sec. 10.3, 10.4)
 
     Capital may not consolidate with, merge into or sell, convey or lease all
or substantially all of its assets to any Person nor permit any Person to
consolidate with, merge into or sell, convey or lease all or substantially all
of its assets to Capital unless Capital is the surviving corporation or the
successor Person is a corporation organized under the laws of any domestic
jurisdiction and assumes Capital's obligations on the Guaranteed Debt Securities
and under the Senior Capital Indenture and the Subordinated Capital Indenture,
and after giving effect thereto no Event of Default, and no event which, after
notice or lapse of time or both, would become an Event of Default shall have
occurred and be continuing, and that certain other conditions are met. (Senior
Capital Indenture and Subordinated Capital Indenture sec.sec. 10.1, 10.2)
 
APPLICABLE LAW
 
     The Debt Securities, Guaranteed Debt Securities and each Indenture will be
governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of the State of New York.
(Senior Indenture and Subordinated Indenture sec. 11.8; Senior Capital Indenture
and Subordinated Capital Indenture sec. 12.8).
 
CONCERNING THE TRUSTEE
 
     The First National Bank of Chicago, 153 West 51 Street, New York, New York
10019, is the Trustee under the Senior Indenture and the Senior Capital
Indenture and will be the Trustee under the Subordinated Indenture and the
Subordinated Capital Indenture.
 
BOOK-ENTRY SYSTEM
 
     Unless otherwise provided in the applicable Prospectus Supplement, upon
issuance, the Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities of any series will
be represented by a global security or securities (each a "Global Security"). A
Global Security representing the Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities
of any series will be deposited with, or on behalf of the Depository Trust
Company, New York, New York (the "Depositary"). Upon the issuance of such Global
Security, the Depositary or its nominee will credit the accounts of persons held
with it with the respective principal or face amounts of the Debt Securities or
Guaranteed Debt Securities represented by such Global Security. Ownership of
beneficial interests in such Global Security will be limited to persons that
have accounts with the Depositary ("participants") or persons that may hold
interests through participants. Ownership of beneficial interest by participants
in such Global Security will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership
will be effected only through, records maintained by the Depositary. Ownership
of beneficial interests in such Global Security by persons that hold through
participants will be shown on, and the transfer of that ownership interest
within such participant will be effected only through, records maintained by
such participant. The laws of some jurisdictions
 
                                        9
<PAGE>   11
 
require that certain purchasers of securities take physical delivery of such
securities in definitive form. Such limits and such laws may impair the ability
to acquire or transfer beneficial interests in such Global Security.
 
     Payment of principal of and interest on each series of Debt Securities or
Guaranteed Debt Securities will be made to the Depositary or its nominee, as the
case may be, as the sole registered owner and holder of the Global Security for
such series for all purposes under the applicable Indenture. Neither the
Company, the Trustee nor any agent of the Company or the Trustee will have any
responsibility or liability for any aspect of the Depositary's records relating
to or payments made on account of beneficial ownership interests in such Global
Security or for maintaining, supervising or reviewing any of the Depositary's
records relating to such beneficial ownership interests.
 
     The Company has been advised by the Depositary that upon receipt of any
payment of principal of or interest on any Global Security, the Depositary will
immediately credit, on its book-entry registration and transfer system, the
accounts of participants with payments in amounts proportionate to their
respective beneficial interests in the principal or face amount of such Global
Security as shown on the records of the Depositary. Payments by participants to
owners of beneficial interests in such Global Security held through such
participants will be governed by standing instructions and customary practices
as is now the case with securities held for customer accounts registered in
"street name" and will be the sole responsibility of such participants.
 
     No Global Security may be transferred except as a whole by the Depositary
to a nominee of the Depositary. A Global Security representing any series of
Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities is exchangeable for certificated
Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities of such series only if (x) the
Depositary notifies the Company that it is unwilling or unable to continue as
Depositary for such Global Security or if at any time the Depositary ceases to
be a clearing agency registered under the Exchange Act and the Company fails
within 90 days thereafter to appoint a successor, (y) the Company in its sole
discretion determines that such Global Security shall be exchangeable or (z)
there shall have occurred and be continuing an Event of Default (as defined in
the applicable Indenture) or an event which with the giving of notice or lapse
of time or both, would constitute an Event of Default with respect to the Debt
Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities represented by such Global Security. In
such event, the Company will issue Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities
of the applicable series in certificated form in exchange for such Global
Security. In any such instance, an owner of a beneficial interest in the Global
Security will be entitled to physical delivery in certificated form of Debt
Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities of such series equal in principal
amount to such beneficial interest and to have such Debt Securities or
Guaranteed Debt Securities registered in its name. Debt Securities or Guaranteed
Debt Securities so issued in certificated form will be issued in denominations
of $1,000 or any larger amount that is an integral multiple thereof, and will be
issued in registered form only, without coupons. Subject to the foregoing, no
Global Security is exchangeable, except for a Global Security for the same
series of Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities of like denomination to
be registered in the name of the Depositary or its nominee.
 
     So long as the Depositary, or its nominee, is the registered owner of a
Global Security, such Depositary or such nominee, as the case may be, will be
considered the sole owner or holder of the Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt
Securities represented by such Global Security for the purposes of receiving
payment on such Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities, receiving notices
and for all other purposes under the applicable Indenture and such Debt
Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities. Beneficial interests in any series of
Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities will be evidenced only by, and
transfer thereof will be effected only through, records maintained by the
Depositary and its participants. Except as provided herein, owners of beneficial
interests in any Global Security will not be entitled to and will not be
considered the holders thereof for any purposes under the applicable Indenture.
Accordingly, each person owning a beneficial interest in such Global Security
must rely on the procedures of the Depositary, and, if such person is not a
participant, on the procedures of the participant through which such person owns
its interest,
                                       10
<PAGE>   12
 
to exercise any rights of a Holder under the applicable Indenture. The
Depositary will not consent or vote with respect to a Global Security
representing a series of Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities. Under
its usual procedures, the Depositary mails an Omnibus Proxy to the Company as
soon as possible after the applicable record date. The Omnibus Proxy assigns
Cede & Co.'s (the Depositary's partnership nominee) consenting or voting rights
to those participants to whose accounts the Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt
Securities of a series are credited on the applicable record date (identified in
a listing attached to the Omnibus Proxy).
 
     The Depositary has advised the Company that the Depositary is a
limited-purpose trust company organized under New York Banking Law, a "banking
organization" within the meaning of the New York Banking Law, a member of the
Federal Reserve System, a "clearing corporation" within the meaning of the New
York Uniform Commercial Code, and a "clearing agency" registered under the
Exchange Act. The Depositary was created to hold the securities of its
participants and to facilitate the clearance and settlement of securities
transactions among its participants through electronic book-entry changes in
accounts of the participants, thereby eliminating the need for physical movement
of securities certificates. The Depositary's participants include securities
brokers and dealers, banks, trust companies, clearing corporations, and certain
other organizations some of whom (and/or their representatives) own the
Depositary. Access to the Depositary's book-entry system is also available to
others, such as banks, brokers, dealers and trust companies that clear through
or maintain a custodial relationship with a participant, either directly or
indirectly. The rules applicable to the Depositary and its participants are on
file with the Commission.
 
SAME-DAY SETTLEMENT AND PAYMENT
 
     Settlement for each series of Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities
will be made by the Underwriters in immediately available funds. All payments of
principal and interest will be made by the Company in immediately available
funds.
 
     Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities of each series will trade in
the Depositary's same-day funds settlement system until maturity or until such
Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities are issued in definitive form, and
second market trading activity in such Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt
Securities will therefore be required by the Depositary to settle in immediately
available funds. No assurance can be given as to the effect, if any, of
settlement in immediately available funds on trading activity in such Debt
Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities.
 
                        DESCRIPTION OF THE CAPITAL STOCK
 
GENERAL
 
     The authorized capital stock of Chubb consists of 600,000,000 shares of
common stock, $1.00 par value per share (the "Common Stock"), and 4,000,000
shares of Preferred Stock, $1.00 par value (the "Preferred Stock"). As of July
31, 1998, there were issued 175,993,039 shares of Common Stock, of which
10,379,988 were treasury shares and 165,613,051 were outstanding, and Chubb had
no Preferred Stock issued or outstanding.
 
     The following summary of the terms of Chubb's capital stock does not
purport to be complete and is qualified in its entirety by reference to the
applicable provisions of New Jersey law and Chubb's Restated Certificate of
Incorporation, as amended (the "Charter").
 
COMMON STOCK
 
     The holders of shares of Common Stock, subject to the preferential rights
of the holders of any shares of Preferred Stock of Chubb, are entitled to
dividends when and as declared by the Board of Directors. The holders of the
Common Stock have one vote per share on all matters submitted to a vote of the
shareholders, and the right to the net assets of Chubb in liquidation after
payment of any
 
                                       11
<PAGE>   13
 
amounts due to creditors and in respect of the preferred stock of Chubb. Holders
of shares of Common Stock are not entitled as a matter of right to any
preemptive or subscription rights and are not entitled to cumulative voting for
directors. All outstanding shares of Common Stock are, and the shares of Common
Stock issued hereunder upon exchange of the Debt Securities, Guaranteed Debt
Securities or Preferred Stock will be, fully paid and nonassessable.
 
     Under New Jersey law and the Charter, the affirmative vote of two-thirds of
the votes cast is required for shareholder approval of any merger or any plan of
consolidation as well as for any sale, lease, exchange or other disposition of
all, or substantially all, of the assets of Chubb, if not in the usual and
regular course of its business, and for any liquidation, dissolution or
amendment of the Charter. All other shareholder action is decided by a majority
of the votes cast at a meeting of shareholders.
 
     The By-Laws of Chubb provide that the annual meeting of shareholders shall
be held on such day in the month of April of each year as is designated by the
Board of Directors and as stated in a written notice, which notice is mailed or
delivered to each shareholder at least ten days prior to any shareholder
meeting. The Charter and the By-Laws provide that shareholder meetings may be
held in the State of New Jersey or in the City of New York, State of New York,
at such place therein as may from time to time be designated by the Board of
Directors.
 
     The Charter further provides that the Board of Directors has the power,
except as provided by statute, in its discretion, to use or apply any funds of
Chubb lawfully available therefor for the purchase or acquisition of shares of
the capital stock or bonds or other securities of Chubb, in the market or
otherwise, at such price as may be fixed by the Board, and to such extent and in
such manner and for such purposes and upon such terms as the Board may deem
expedient and as may be permitted by law.
 
     The Transfer Agent and Registrar for Chubb's Common Stock is First Chicago
Trust Company of New York, P.O. Box 2500, Jersey City, New Jersey 07303-2500.
 
PREFERRED STOCK
 
     Under the Charter, Chubb is authorized to issue up to 4,000,000 shares of
Preferred Stock, in one or more series, with such designations and such relative
voting, dividend, liquidation, conversion and other rights, preferences and
limitations as are stated in the Charter any amendment thereto establishing such
series adopted by the Board of Directors of Chubb.
 
     Shares of Preferred Stock of Chubb may be issued in one or more series and
the shares of all series will rank pari passu and be identical in all respects,
except that with respect to each series the Board of Directors may fix, among
other things: the rate of dividends payable thereon; the time and prices of
redemption; the amount payable upon voluntary liquidation; the retirement or
sinking fund, if any; the conversion rights, if any; the voting rights, if any,
in addition to the voting right described below; the restrictions, if any, upon
creation of indebtedness of Chubb, or any subsidiary thereof, or the issuance of
stock ranking on a parity with or senior to the shares of Preferred Stock either
as to dividends or upon liquidation; the restrictions, if any, on the payment of
dividends upon, or on the acquisition of, the Common Stock or upon any other
class or classes of stock of Chubb (other than Preferred Stock) ranking on a
parity with or junior to the shares of Preferred Stock either as to dividends or
upon liquidation; and the number of shares to comprise such series. Each series
of Preferred Stock will be entitled to receive an amount payable upon
liquidation, dissolution or winding up, fixed for each series, plus all
dividends accumulated to the date of final distribution, before any payment or
distribution of assets of Chubb is made on Common Stock. Shares of Preferred
Stock that have been issued and reacquired in any manner by Chubb (including
shares redeemed, shares purchased and retired and shares that have been
converted into shares of another series or class) may be reissued as part of the
same or another series of Preferred Stock. In accordance with the foregoing, the
4,000,000 authorized but unissued shares of Preferred Stock may be issued
pursuant to resolution of the Board of Directors without the vote of the holders
of any capital stock of Chubb.
                                       12
<PAGE>   14
 
PREFERRED STOCK DEPOSITARY SHARES
 
     Chubb may, at its option, elect to offer receipts for fractional interests
("Depositary Shares") in Preferred Stock. In such event, receipts ("Depositary
Receipts") for Depositary Shares, each of which will represent a fraction (to be
set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to a particular series of
Preferred Stock) of a share of a particular series of Preferred Stock, will be
issued as described below.
 
     The shares of any series of Preferred Stock represented by Depositary
Shares will be deposited under a deposit agreement (the "Deposit Agreement")
between Chubb and the depositary named in the Prospectus Supplement relating to
such shares (the "Preferred Stock Depositary"). Subject to the terms of the
Deposit Agreement, each owner of a Depositary Share will be entitled, in
proportion to the applicable fraction of a share of Preferred Stock represented
by such Depositary Share, to all the rights and preferences of the Preferred
Stock represented thereby (including dividend, voting, redemption, conversion,
exchange, subscription and liquidation rights). The following summary of certain
provisions of the Deposit Agreement does not purport to be complete and is
subject to, and is qualified in its entirety by reference to, all the provisions
of the Deposit Agreement, including the definitions therein of certain terms.
Whenever particular sections of the Deposit Agreement are referred to, it is
intended that such section shall be incorporated herein by reference. Copies of
the forms of Deposit Agreement and Depositary Receipt are filed as exhibits to
the Registration Statement of which this Prospectus is a part, and the following
summary is qualified in its entirety by reference to such exhibits.
 
     The Preferred Stock Depositary will distribute to holders of Depositary
Receipts all cash dividends or other cash distributions received in respect of
the Preferred Stock to the record holders of Depositary Shares relating to such
Preferred Stock in proportion to the numbers of such Depositary Shares owned by
such holders. (Deposit Agreement sec. 4.01)
 
     In the event of a distribution other than in cash, the Preferred Stock
Depositary will distribute property received by it to the record holders of
Depositary Shares in an equitable manner, unless the Preferred Stock Depositary
determines that it is not feasible to make such distribution, in which case the
Preferred Stock Depositary may sell such property and distribute the net
proceeds from such sale to such holders. (Deposit Agreement sec. 4.02)
 
     Upon surrender of a Depositary Receipt at the corporate trust office of the
Preferred Stock Depositary and upon payment of the taxes, charges and fees
provided for in the Deposit Agreement and subject to the terms thereof, the
holder of the Depositary Shares evidenced thereby is entitled to delivery at
such office, to or upon his or her order, of the number of whole shares of the
related series of Preferred Stock and any money or other property, if any,
represented by such Depositary Shares.
 
     If a series of Preferred Stock represented by Depositary Shares is subject
to redemption, the Depositary Shares will be redeemed from the proceeds received
by the Preferred Stock Depositary resulting from the redemption, in whole or in
part, of such series of Preferred Stock held by the Preferred Stock Depositary.
The redemption price per Depositary Share will be equal to the applicable
fraction of the redemption price per share payable with respect to such series
of the Preferred Stock. Whenever Chubb redeems shares of Preferred Stock held by
the Preferred Stock Depositary, the Preferred Stock Depositary will redeem as of
the same redemption date the number of Depositary Shares representing shares of
Preferred Stock so redeemed. If fewer than all the Depositary Shares are to be
redeemed, the Depositary Shares to be redeemed will be selected by lot, pro rata
or by any other equitable method as may be determined by the Preferred Stock
Depositary. (Deposit Agreement sec. 2.08)
 
     Upon receipt of notice of any meeting at which the holders of the Preferred
Stock are entitled to vote, the Preferred Stock Depositary will mail the
information contained in such notice of meeting to the record holders of the
Depositary Shares relating to such Preferred Stock. Each record holder of
 
                                       13
<PAGE>   15
 
such Depositary Shares on the record date (which will be the same date as the
record date for the Preferred Stock) will be entitled to instruct the Preferred
Stock Depositary as to the exercise of the voting rights pertaining to the
amount of the Preferred Stock represented by such holder's Depositary Shares.
The Preferred Stock Depositary will endeavor, insofar as practicable, to vote
the amount of the Preferred Stock represented by such Depositary Shares in
accordance with such instructions, and Chubb will agree to take all reasonable
action which may be deemed necessary by the Preferred Stock Depositary in order
to enable the Preferred Stock Depositary to do so. The Preferred Stock
Depositary will abstain from voting shares of the Preferred Stock to the extent
it does not receive specific instructions from the holder of Depositary Shares
representing such Preferred Stock. (Deposit Agreement sec. 4.05)
 
     The form of Depositary Receipt evidencing the Depositary Shares and any
provision of the Deposit Agreement may at any time be amended by agreement
between Chubb and the Preferred Stock Depositary. However, any amendment which
materially and adversely alters the rights of the holders of Depositary Shares
will not be effective unless such amendment has been approved by the holders of
at least a majority of the Depositary Shares then outstanding. The Deposit
Agreement will terminate only if (i) all outstanding Depositary Shares have been
redeemed or (ii) there has been a final distribution in respect of the Preferred
Stock in connection with any liquidation, dissolution or winding-up of Chubb and
such distribution has been distributed to the holders of Depositary Receipts.
(Deposit Agreement sec.sec. 6.01, 6.02)
 
     Chubb will pay all transfer and other taxes and governmental charges
arising solely from the existence of the depositary arrangements. Chubb will pay
charges of the Preferred Stock Depositary in connection with the initial deposit
of the Preferred Stock and issuance of Depositary Receipts, all withdrawals of
shares of Preferred Stock by owners of Depositary Shares and any redemption of
the Preferred Stock. Holders of Depositary Receipts will pay other transfer and
other taxes and governmental charges and such other charges as are expressly
provided in the Deposit Agreement to be for their accounts. (Deposit Agreement
sec. 5.07)
 
     The Preferred Stock Depositary may resign at any time by delivering to
Chubb notice of its election to do so, and Chubb may at any time remove the
Preferred Stock Depositary, any such resignation or removal to take effect upon
the appointment of a successor Preferred Stock Depositary and its acceptance of
such appointment. Such successor Preferred Stock Depositary must be appointed
within 60 days after delivery of the notice of resignation or removal and must
be a bank or trust company having its principal office in the United States and
having a combined capital and surplus of at least $50,000,000 (Deposit Agreement
sec. 5.04)
 
     The Preferred Stock Depositary will forward to holders of Depositary
Receipts all reports and communications from Chubb which are delivered to the
Preferred Stock Depositary and which Chubb is required or otherwise determines
to furnish to the holders of the Preferred Stock. (Deposit Agreement sec. 4.07)
 
     Neither the Preferred Stock Depositary nor Chubb will be liable under the
Deposit Agreement to holders of Depositary Receipts other than for its
negligence, willful misconduct or bad faith. Neither Chubb nor the Preferred
Stock Depositary will be obligated to prosecute or defend any legal proceeding
in respect of any Depositary Shares or Preferred Stock unless satisfactory
indemnity is furnished. Chubb and the Preferred Stock Depositary may rely upon
written advice of its counsel or accountants, or upon information provided by
persons presenting Preferred Stock for deposit, holders of Depositary Receipts
or other persons believed to be competent and on documents believed to be
genuine. (Deposit Agreement sec. 5.03)
 
SHAREHOLDERS RIGHTS PLAN
 
     The Corporation has a Shareholder Rights Plan under which each shareholder
has one-quarter of a right (a "Right") for each share of Common Stock held. Each
Right entitles the registered holder to purchase from Chubb a unit consisting of
one one-hundredth of a share (a "Unit") of
                                       14
<PAGE>   16
 
Series A Participating Cumulative Preferred Stock, par value $1.00 per share
(the "Preferred Stock"), at a purchase price (the "Purchase Price") of $225 per
Unit. The rights are subject to adjustment to prevent dilution of the interests
represented by each Right. The description and terms of the Rights are set forth
in the Rights Agreement between Chubb and First Chicago Trust Company of New
York, as Rights Agent.
 
     The Rights are attached to all outstanding shares of Common Stock and trade
with the Common Stock until the Rights become exercisable, and no separate
Rights Certificates will be distributed. The Rights will separate from the
Common Stock and a Distribution Date will occur upon the earlier of: (i) 10 days
following the date (the "Stock Acquisition Date") of any public announcement
that a person or group of affiliated or associated persons (an "Acquiring
Person") has acquired beneficial ownership of 25% or more of the outstanding
shares of Common Stock, or (ii) 10 business days following the commencement of a
tender offer or exchange offer that would result in a person or group becoming
an Acquiring Person. Until the Distribution Date (or earlier redemption or
expiration of the Rights), (i) the Rights will be evidenced by the Common Stock
certificates and will be transferred with and only with such Common Stock
certificates, (ii) new Common Stock certificates issued after June 12, 1989 will
contain a notation incorporating the Rights Agreement by reference, and (iii)
the surrender for transfer of any certificates for Common Stock will also
constitute the transfer of the Rights associated with the common Stock
represented by such certificates.
 
     The Rights are not exercisable until the Distribution Date and will expire
at the close of business on June 12, 1999 unless previously redeemed by Chubb as
described below.
 
     As soon as practicable after the Distribution Date, Right Certificates will
be mailed to holders of record of Common Stock as of the close of business on
the Distribution Date and, thereafter the separate Right Certificates alone will
represent the Rights. Except as otherwise determined by the Board of Directors,
only shares of Common Stock issued prior to the Distribution Date will be issued
with Rights.
 
     In the event that any person becomes an Acquiring Person, proper provision
will be made so that each holder of a Right, other than Rights that are, or
(under certain circumstances specified in the Rights Agreement) were,
beneficially owned by an Acquiring Person (which will thereafter be void), will
thereafter have the right to receive upon exercise that number of shares of
Common Stock having a market value of two times the exercise price of the right.
In the event that, at any time following the Stock Acquisition Date, (i) Chubb
is acquired in a merger or other business combination transaction, or (ii) 50%
or more of Chubb's assets or earning power is sold, each holder of a Right shall
thereafter have the right to receive, upon exercise, common stock of the
acquiring company having a value equal to two times the exercise price of the
Right. The events described in this paragraph are referred to as "Triggering
Events".
 
     The Purchase Price payable, and the number of Units of Preferred Stock or
other securities or property issuable, upon exercise of the Rights are subject
to adjustment from time to time to prevent dilution (i) in the event of a stock
dividend on, or a subdivision, combination or reclassification of, the Preferred
Stock, (ii) if holders of the Preferred Stock are granted certain rights or
warrants to subscribe for Preferred Stock or convertible securities at less than
the current market price of the Preferred Stock, or (iii) upon the distribution
to holders of the Preferred Stock of evidences of indebtedness or assets
(excluding regular quarterly cash dividends) or of subscription rights or
warrants (other than those referred to above).
 
     With certain exceptions, no adjustment in the Purchase Price will be
required until cumulative adjustments amount to at least 1% of the Purchase
Price. No fractional Units will be issued and, in lieu thereof, an adjustment in
cash will be made based on the market price of the Preferred Stock on the last
trading date prior to the date of exercise.
 
                                       15
<PAGE>   17
 
     The Rights may be redeemed in whole, but not in part, at a price of $.01
per Right by the Board of Directors at any time until the tenth day after the
Stock Acquisition Date (or such later date as a majority of the Continuing
Directors then in office may determine). Under certain circumstances set forth
in the Rights Agreement, the decision to redeem shall require the concurrence of
a majority of the Continuing Directors.
 
     Immediately upon the action of the Board of Directors ordering redemption
of the Rights, with, where required, the concurrence of a majority of the
Continuing Directors, the Rights will terminate and thereafter the only right of
the holders of Rights will be to receive the redemption price.
 
     The term "Continuing Director" means any member of the Board of Directors
who was a member of the Board prior to the time the Acquiring Person becomes
such, and any person who is subsequently elected to the Board if such person is
recommended or approved by a majority of the Continuing Directors. Continuing
Directors do not include an Acquiring Person, or an affiliate or associate of an
Acquiring Person, or any representative of the foregoing entities.
 
     Until a Right is exercised, the holder will have no rights as a shareholder
of Chubb (beyond those as an existing shareholder), including the right to vote
or to receive dividends. As long as the Rights are attached to the Common Stock,
Chubb will issue one half of a Right with each new share of Common Stock issued.
 
                            DESCRIPTION OF WARRANTS
 
     Chubb or Capital may issue Warrants, including Warrants to purchase Debt
Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities ("Debt Warrants") as well as other
types of Warrants to purchase Securities. Warrants may be issued independently
or together with any Securities and may be attached to or separate from such
Securities. The Warrants are to be issued under warrant agreements (each a
"Warrant Agreement") to be entered into between Chubb or Capital, as the case
may be, and a bank or trust company, as warrant agent (the "Warrant Agent"), all
as shall be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement relating to the warrants
being offered pursuant thereto.
 
DEBT WARRANTS
 
     The applicable Prospectus Supplement will describe the terms of Debt
Warrants offered thereby, the Warrant Agreement relating to such Debt Warrants
and the debt warrant certificates representing such Debt Warrants, including the
following: (1) the title of such Debt Warrants; (2) the aggregate number of such
Debt Warrants; (3) the price or prices at which such Debt Warrants will be
issued; (4) the currency or currencies, including composite currencies or
currency units, in which the price of such Debt Warrants may be payable; (5) the
designation, aggregate principal amount and terms of the Debt Securities or
Guaranteed Debt Securities purchasable upon exercise of such Debt Warrants, and
the procedures and conditions relating to the exercise of such Debt Warrants;
(6) the designation and terms of any related Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt
Securities with which such Debt Warrants are issued, and the number of such Debt
Warrants issued with each such security; (7) the currency or currencies,
including composite currencies or currency units, in which the principal (or
premium, if any), or interest, if any, on the Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt
Securities purchasable upon exercise of such Debt Warrants will be payable; (8)
the date, if any, on and after which such Debt Warrants and the related Debt
Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities will be separately transferable; (9)
the principal amount of Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities
purchasable upon exercise of each Debt Warrant, and the price at which and the
currency, including composite currency or currency unit, in which such principal
amount of Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities may be purchased upon
such exercise; (10) the date on which the right to exercise such Debt Warrants
shall commence, and the date on which such right shall expire; (11) the maximum
or minimum number of such Debt Warrants which may be exercised at any time; (12)
a discussion of material federal income tax considerations, if any; (13) in the
case of Debt Warrants issued by Capital, the extent (if any) to which Chubb
                                       16
<PAGE>   18
 
will guarantee the performance by Capital of its obligations under such Debt
Warrants; and (14) any other terms of such Debt Warrants and terms, procedures
and limitations relating to the exercise of such Debt Warrants.
 
     Debt Warrant certificates will be exchangeable for new Debt Warrant
certificates of different denominations, and Debt Warrants may be exercised at
the corporate trust office of the Warrant Agent or any other office indicated in
the Prospectus Supplement. Prior to the exercise of their Debt Warrants, holders
of Debt Warrants will not have any of the rights of holders of the securities
purchasable upon such exercise and will not be entitled to payments of principal
of (or premium, if any) or interest, if any, on the securities purchasable upon
such exercise.
 
OTHER WARRANTS
 
     Chubb may issue other Warrants. The applicable Prospectus Supplement will
describe the following terms of any such other Warrants in respect of which this
Prospectus is being delivered: (1) the title of such Warrants; (2) the
Securities (which may include Preferred Stock or Common Stock) for which such
Warrants are exercisable; (3) the price or prices at which such Warrants will be
issued; (4) the currency or currencies, including composite currencies or
currency units, in which the price of such Warrants may be payable; (5) if
applicable, the designation and terms of the Preferred Stock with which such
Warrants are issued, and the number of such Warrants issued with each share of
Preferred Stock or Common Stock; (6) any provisions for adjustment of the number
or amount of securities receivable upon exercise of such Warrants or the
exercise price of such Warrants; (7) if applicable, the date on and after which
such Warrants and the related Preferred Stock or Common Stock will be separately
transferable; (8) if applicable, a discussion of material federal income tax
considerations; (9) any other terms of such Warrants, including terms,
procedures and limitations relating to the exchange and exercise of such
Warrants; (10) the date on which the right to exercise such Warrants shall
commence, and the date on which such right shall expire; and (11) the maximum or
minimum number of such Warrants which may be exercised at any time.
 
EXERCISE OF WARRANTS
 
     Each Warrant will entitle the holder of Warrants to purchase for cash such
principal amount of Securities at such exercise price as shall in each case be
set forth in, or be determinable as set forth in, the Prospectus Supplement
relating to the Warrants offered thereby. Warrants may be exercised at any time
up to the close of business on the expiration date set forth in the Prospectus
Supplement relating to the Warrants offered thereby. After the close of business
on the expiration date, unexercised Warrants will become void.
 
     Warrants may be exercised as set forth in the Prospectus Supplement
relating to the Warrants offered thereby. Upon receipt of payment and the
warrant certificate properly completed and duly executed at the corporate trust
office of the Warrant Agent or any other office indicated in the Prospectus
Supplement, the Corporation will, as soon as practicable, forward the Securities
purchasable upon such exercise. If less than all of the Warrants represented by
such warrant certificate are exercised, a new warrant certificate will be issued
for the remaining Warrants.
 
                              PLAN OF DISTRIBUTION
 
     Offered Securities may be sold (i) through agents, (ii) through
underwriters, (iii) through dealers or (iv) directly to purchasers (through a
specific bidding or auction process or otherwise).
 
     Offers to purchase Offered Securities may be solicited by agents designated
by Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, from time to time. Any such agent
involved in the offer or sale of the Offered Securities will be named, and any
commissions payable by Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, to such agent will
be set forth, in the Prospectus Supplement. Unless otherwise indicated in
 
                                       17
<PAGE>   19
 
the Prospectus Supplement, any such agent will be acting on a best efforts basis
for the period of its appointment. Any such agent may be deemed to be an
underwriter, as that term is defined in the Securities Act of 1933, as amended
(the "1933 Act") of the Offered Securities so offered and sold.
 
     If an underwriter or underwriters are utilized in the sale of Offered
Securities, Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, will execute an underwriting
agreement with such underwriter or underwriters at the time an agreement for
such sale is reached, and the names of the specific managing underwriter or
underwriters, as well as any other underwriters, and the terms of the
transactions, including compensation of the underwriters and dealers, if any,
will be set forth in the Prospectus Supplement, which will be used by the
underwriters to make resales of Offered Securities.
 
     If a dealer is utilized in the sale of Offered Securities, Chubb or
Capital, as the case may be, will sell such Offered Securities to the dealer, as
principal. The dealer may then resell such Offered Securities to the public at
varying prices to be determined by such dealer at the time of resale. The name
of the dealer and the terms of the transactions will be set forth in the
Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
     Offers to purchase Offered Securities may be solicited directly by Chubb or
Capital, as the case may be, and sales thereof may be made by Chubb or Capital,
as the case may be, directly to institutional investors or others. The terms of
any such sales, including the terms of any bidding or auction process, if
utilized, will be described in the Prospectus Supplement relating thereto.
 
     Offered Securities may also be offered and sold, if so indicated in the
Prospectus Supplement, in connection with a remarketing upon their purchase, in
accordance with a redemption or repayment pursuant to their terms, or otherwise,
by one or more firms ("remarketing firms"), acting as principals for their own
accounts or as agents for Chubb or Capital, as the case may be. Any remarketing
firm will be identified and the terms of its agreement, if any, with Chubb or
Capital, as the case may be, and its compensation will be described in the
Prospectus Supplement. Remarketing firms may be deemed to be underwriters in
connection with the Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities remarketed
thereby.
 
     Agents, underwriters, dealers and remarketing firms may be entitled under
agreements which may be entered into with Chubb or Capital, as the case may be,
to indemnification by Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, against certain
liabilities, including liabilities under the 1933 Act, and any such agents,
underwriters, dealers or remarketing firms, or their affiliates may be customers
of, engage in transactions with or perform services for Chubb or Capital, as the
case may be, in the ordinary course of business.
 
     If so indicated in the Prospectus Supplement, Chubb or Capital, as the case
may be, will authorize agents and underwriters to solicit offers by certain
institutions to purchase Debt Securities or Guaranteed Debt Securities from
Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, at the public offering price set forth in
the Prospectus Supplement pursuant to Delayed Delivery Contracts ("Contracts")
providing for payment and delivery on the date stated in the Prospectus
Supplement. Such Contracts will be subject to only those conditions set forth in
the Prospectus Supplement. A commission indicated in the Prospectus Supplement
will be paid to underwriters and agents soliciting purchases of Debt Securities
or Guaranteed Debt Securities pursuant to Contracts accepted by Chubb or
Capital, as the case may be.
 
                                    EXPERTS
 
     The consolidated financial statements of The Chubb Corporation incorporated
by reference in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) and the financial statement
schedules included therein of Chubb for the year ended December 31, 1997 have
been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent auditors, as set forth in their
reports dated February 20, 1998 and March 25, 1998, included or incorporated by
reference therein, and are incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon
such reports given upon the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and
auditing.
                                       18
<PAGE>   20
 
     Any financial statements and schedules hereafter incorporated by reference
in the registration statement of which this prospectus is a part that have been
audited and are the subject of a report by independent accountants will be
incorporated herein by reference in reliance upon such reports and upon the
authority of such firms as experts in accounting and auditing to the extent
covered by consents filed with the Commission.
 
                                 LEGAL MATTERS
 
     The validity of the Offered Securities offered hereby will be passed upon
for Chubb or Capital, as the case may be, by Davis Polk & Wardwell, New York,
New York. Davis Polk & Wardwell will rely upon Shanley & Fisher, P.C., with
respect to certain matters of New Jersey law.
 
                                       19
<PAGE>   21
 
                                    PART II
 
                     INFORMATION NOT REQUIRED IN PROSPECTUS
 
ITEM 14.  OTHER EXPENSES OF ISSUANCE AND DISTRIBUTION.
 
<TABLE>
<S>                                                             <C>
Registration fees...........................................    $ 177,000.00
Trustees' fees..............................................       25,000.00
Costs of printing and engraving.............................       56,000.00
Legal fees..................................................      200,000.00
Accounting fees.............................................       30,000.00
                                                                ------------
          Total.............................................    $488,000.000
                                                                ============
</TABLE>
 
- ---------------
All amounts estimated except for registration fees.
 
ITEM 15.  INDEMNIFICATION OF DIRECTORS AND OFFICERS.
 
     Reference is made to Section 14A:3-5 of the New Jersey Business Corporation
Act as to indemnification by the Registrant of officers and directors.
 
     Article XII of the Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Chubb reads as
follows:
 
TWELFTH:
 
     SECTION A.  A Director or Officer of the Corporation shall not be
personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for damages for breach
of any duty owed to the Corporation or its stockholders, except for liability
for any breach of duty based upon an act or omission (i) in breach of such
Director's or Officer's duty of loyalty to the Corporation or stockholders, (ii)
not in good faith or involving a knowing violation of law or (iii) resulting in
receipt by such Director or Officer of an improper personal benefit. The
provisions of this section shall be effective as and to the fullest extent that,
in whole or in part, they shall be authorized or permitted by the laws of the
State of New Jersey. No repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of
this Section A nor, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any modification of
law shall adversely affect any right or protection of a Director or Officer of
the Corporation which exists at the time of such repeal or modification.
 
     SECTION B.
 
     1.  As used in this Section B:
 
          (a) "corporate agent" means any person who is or was a director,
     officer, or employee of the Corporation and any person who is or was a
     director, officer, trustee or employee of any other enterprise, serving, or
     continuing to serve, as such at the written request of the Corporation,
     signed by the Chairman or the President or pursuant to a resolution of the
     Board of Directors, or the legal representative of any such person;
 
          (b) "other enterprise" means any domestic or foreign corporation,
     other than the Corporation, and any partnership, joint venture, sole
     proprietorship, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, whether
     or not for profit, served by a corporate agent;
 
          (c) "expenses" means reasonable costs, disbursements and counsel fees;
 
          (d) "liabilities" means amounts paid or incurred in satisfaction of
     settlements, judgments, fines and penalties;
 
          (e) "proceeding" means any pending, threatened or completed civil,
     criminal, administrative or arbitrative action, suit or proceeding, and any
     appeal therein and any inquiry or investigation which could lead to such
     action, suit or proceeding, and shall include any proceeding as so defined
     existing at or before, and any proceedings relating to facts occurring or
     circumstances existing at or before, the adoption of this Section B.
 
                                      II-1
<PAGE>   22
 
     2.  Each corporate agent shall be indemnified by the Corporation against
his expenses and liabilities in connection with any proceeding involving the
corporate agent by reason of his having been such corporate agent to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law as the same exists or may hereafter be
amended or modified. The right to indemnification conferred by this paragraph 2
shall also include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred
in connection with any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition to
the fullest extent authorized by applicable law as the same exists or may
hereafter be amended or modified. The right to indemnification conferred in this
paragraph 2 shall be a contract right.
 
     3.  The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any
corporate agent against any expenses incurred in any proceeding and any
liabilities asserted against him by reason of his having been a corporate agent,
whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him against
such expenses and liabilities under applicable law as the same exists or may
hereafter be amended or modified. The Corporation may purchase such insurance
from, or such insurance may be reinsured in whole or in part by, an insurer
owned by or otherwise affiliated with the Corporation, whether or not such
insurer does business with other insureds.
 
     The rights and authority conferred in this Section B shall not exclude any
other right to which any person may be entitled under this Certificate of
Incorporation, the By-Laws, any agreement, vote of stockholders or otherwise. No
repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Section B nor, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, any modification of law, shall adversely affect
any right or protection of a corporate agent which exists at the time of such
repeal or modification.
 
                                    -- -- --
 
     Article Seventh of the Certificate of Incorporation of Capital reads as
follows:
 
SEVENTH:
 
     SECTION A.  A Director or Officer of the Corporation shall not be
personally liable to the Corporation or its stockholders for damages for breach
of any duty owed to the Corporation or its stockholders, except for liability
for any breach of duty based upon an act or omission (i) in breach of such
Director's or Officer's duty of loyalty to the Corporation or stockholders, (ii)
not in good faith or involving a knowing violation of law or (iii) resulting in
receipt by such Director or Officer of an improper personal benefit. The
provisions of this section shall be effective as and to the fullest extent that,
in whole or in part, they shall be authorized or permitted by the laws of the
State of New Jersey. No repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of
this Section A nor, to the fullest extent permitted by law, any modification of
law shall adversely affect any right or protection of a Director or Officer of
the Corporation which exists at the time of such repeal or modification.
 
     SECTION B.
 
     1.  As used in this Section B:
 
          (a) "corporate agent" means any person who is or was a director,
     officer, or employee of the Corporation and any person who is or was a
     director, officer, trustee or employee of any other enterprise, serving, or
     continuing to serve, as such at the written request of the Corporation,
     signed by the Chairman or the President or pursuant to a resolution of the
     Board of Directors, or the legal representative of any such person;
 
          (b) "other enterprise" means any domestic or foreign corporation,
     other than the Corporation, and any partnership, joint venture, sole
     proprietorship, trust, employee benefit plan or other enterprise, whether
     or not for profit, served by a corporate agent;
 
          (c) "expenses" means reasonable costs, disbursements and counsel fees;
 
          (d) "liabilities" means amounts paid or incurred in satisfaction of
     settlements, judgments, fines and penalties;
 
          (e) "proceeding" means any pending, threatened or completed civil,
     criminal, administrative or arbitrative action, suit or proceeding, and any
     appeal therein and any inquiry or
                                      II-2
<PAGE>   23
 
     investigation which could lead to such action, suit or proceeding, and
     shall include any proceeding as so defined existing at or before, and any
     proceedings relating to facts occurring or circumstances existing at or
     before, the adoption of this Section B.
 
     2.  Each corporate agent shall be indemnified by the Corporation against
his expenses and liabilities in connection with any proceeding involving the
corporate agent by reason of his having been such corporate agent to the fullest
extent permitted by applicable law as the same exists or may hereafter be
amended or modified. The right to indemnification conferred by this paragraph 2
shall also include the right to be paid by the Corporation the expenses incurred
in connection with any such proceeding in advance of its final disposition to
the fullest extent authorized by applicable law as the same exists or may
hereafter be amended or modified. The right to indemnification conferred in this
paragraph 2 shall be a contract right.
 
     3.  The Corporation may purchase and maintain insurance on behalf of any
corporate agent against any expenses incurred in any proceedings and any
liabilities asserted against him by reason of his having been a corporate agent,
whether or not the Corporation would have the power to indemnify him against
such expenses and liabilities under applicable law as the same exists or may
hereafter be amended or modified. The Corporation may purchase such insurance
from, or such insurance may be reinsured in whole or in part by, an insurer
owned by or otherwise affiliated with the Corporation, whether or not such
insurer does business with other insureds.
 
     The rights and authority conferred in this Section B shall not exclude any
other right to which any person may be entitled under this Certificate of
Incorporation, the By-Laws, any agreement, vote of stockholders or otherwise. No
repeal or modification of the foregoing provisions of this Section B nor, to the
fullest extent permitted by law, any modification of law, shall adversely affect
any right or protection of a corporate agent which exists at the time of such
repeal or modification.
 
                                    -- -- --
 
     Chubb and Capital are insured against liabilities which they may incur by
reason of Article XII of Chubb's Restated Certificate of Incorporation and
Article Seventh of Capital's Certificate of Incorporation, respectively. In
addition, Directors and Officers of Chubb and Capital are insured, at the
expense of Chubb against certain liabilities which might arise out of their
employment and not be subject to indemnification.
 
ITEM 16.  LIST OF EXHIBITS AND EXHIBIT INDEX
 
<TABLE>
<S>           <C>  <C>
Exhibit 1.1   --   Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the Debt
                   Securities (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.1
                   to Chubb's and Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3
                   (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 1.2   --   Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the Guaranteed
                   Debt Securities (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
                   1.2 to Chubb's and Capital's Registration Statement on Form
                   S-3 (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 1.3   --   Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the Common Stock,
                   Preferred Stock and convertible Subordinated Debt Securities
                   of Chubb (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.3 to
                   Chubb's and Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3
                   (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 1.4   --   Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the convertible
                   Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities of Capital
                   (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.4 to Chubb's
                   and Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No.
                   33-59111 )).
Exhibit 4.1   --   Indenture dated as of October 25, 1989, between Chubb and
                   The First National Bank of Chicago relating to Senior Debt
                   Securities (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(a)
                   to Chubb's and Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3
                   (No. 33-31796)).
Exhibit 4.2   --   Indenture dated as of October 25, 1989, among, Capital,
                   Chubb, as guarantor and The First National Bank of Chicago
                   relating to Guaranteed Senior Debt Securities (incorporated
                   herein by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Chubb's and Capital's
                   Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-31796)).
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-3
<PAGE>   24
 
<TABLE>
<S>             <C>        <C>
Exhibit 4.3        --      Form of Indenture between Chubb and The First National Bank of Chicago relating to Subordinated
                           Debt Securities (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Chubb's and Capital's
                           Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 4.4        --      Form of Indenture among Capital, Chubb, as guarantor and The First National Bank of Chicago
                           relating to Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
                           4.4 to Chubb's and Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 4.5        --      Forms of Senior Debt Securities (included in Exhibit 4.1).
Exhibit 4.6        --      Forms of Guaranteed Senior Debt Securities (included in Exhibit 4.2).
Exhibit 4.7        --      Forms of Subordinated Debt Securities (included in Exhibit 4.3).
Exhibit 4.8        --      Forms of Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities (included in Exhibit 4.4).
Exhibit 4.9        --      Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Chubb (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to
                           Chubb's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 1996).
Exhibit 4.10       --      Form of Deposit Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.10 to Chubb's and
                           Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 4.11       --      Form of Depositary Receipt for Chubb Depositary Shares (included in Exhibit 4.10).
Exhibit 4.12       --      Form of Chubb Common Stock and Preferred Stock Warrant Agreement (incorporated herein by
                           reference to Exhibit 4.12 to Chubb's and Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No.
                           33-59111)).
Exhibit 4.13       --      Form of Chubb Debt Warrant Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.13 to Chubb's
                           and Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 4.14       --      Form of Capital Debt Warrant Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to
                           Chubb's and Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 5.1        --      Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell as to the legality of Securities to be issued.
Exhibit 5.2        --      Opinion of Shanley & Fisher, P.C. as to certain matters of New Jersey law.
Exhibit 12         --      Statement re: Computation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings to Fixed Charges of Chubb.
Exhibit 23.1       --      Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
Exhibit 23.2       --      Consent of Davis Polk & Wardwell (included in Exhibit 5.1).
Exhibit 23.3       --      Consent of Shanley & Fisher, P.C. (included in Exhibit 5.2).
Exhibit 24.1       --      Powers of Attorney for the Directors of Chubb.
</TABLE>
 
ITEM 17.  UNDERTAKINGS.
 
     The undersigned registrants hereby undertake:
 
     (1)  To file, during any period in which offers or sales are being made of
the securities registered hereby, a post-effective amendment to this
registration statement;
 
          (i) To include any prospectus required by Section 10(a)(3) of the
     Securities Act of 1933;
 
          (ii) To reflect in the prospectus any facts or events arising after
     the effective date of the registration statement (or the most recent
     post-effective amendment thereof) which, individually or in the aggregate,
     represent a fundamental change in the information set forth in this
     registration statement;
 
          (iii) To include any material information with respect to the plan of
     distribution not previously disclosed in this registration statement or any
     material change to such information in this registration statement;
 
provided, however, that the undertakings set forth in paragraph (i) and (ii)
above do not apply if the information required to be included in a
post-effective amendment by those paragraphs is contained in periodic reports
filed by the registrants pursuant to Section 13 or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 that are incorporated by reference in this
registration statement.
 
                                      II-4
<PAGE>   25
 
     (2)  That, for the purpose of determining any liability under the
Securities Act of 1933, each such post-effective amendment shall be deemed to be
a new registration statement relating to the securities offered herein, and the
offering of such securities at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona
fide offering thereof.
 
     (3)  To remove from registration by means of a post-effective amendment any
of the securities being registered which remain unsold at the termination of the
offering.
 
     The undersigned registrants hereby further undertake that, for purposes of
determining any liability under the Securities Act of 1933, each filing of a
registrant's annual report pursuant to Section 13(a) or Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934 (and, where applicable, each filing of an
employee benefit plan's annual report pursuant to Section 15(d) of the
Securities Exchange Act of 1934) that is incorporated by reference in this
registration statement shall be deemed to be a new registration statement
relating to the securities offered herein, and the offering of such securities
at that time shall be deemed to be the initial bona fide offering thereof.
 
     Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act
of 1933 may be permitted to directors, officers and controlling persons of the
registrants pursuant to the provisions set forth or described in Item 15 of this
Registration Statement, or otherwise, the registrants have been advised that in
the opinion of the Securities and Exchange Commission such indemnification is
against public policy as expressed in the Act and is, therefore, unenforceable.
In the event that a claim for indemnification against such liabilities (other
than the payment by the registrants of expenses incurred or paid by a director,
officer or controlling person of such registrant in the successful defense of
any action, suit or proceeding) is asserted by such director, officer or
controlling person, in connection with the securities registered hereby, such
registrant will, unless in the opinion of its counsel the matter has been
settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction
the question whether such indemnification by it is against public policy as
expressed in the Act and will be governed by the final adjudication of such
issue.
 
                                      II-5
<PAGE>   26
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, The Chubb
Corporation certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the Township of Warren, State of New Jersey, on the 10th day
of September, 1998.
 
                                          THE CHUBB CORPORATION
 
                                          By /s/ GAIL E. DEVLIN
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            GAIL E. DEVLIN
                                            SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
registration statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities as Directors and Officers of The Chubb Corporation and on the date
indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            SIGNATURE                               TITLE                          DATE
            ---------                               -----                          ----
<C>                                   <S>                                   <C>
 
                *                     Chairman, Chief Executive Officer     September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------    and Director
         (Dean R. O'Hare)
 
                                      Director
- ----------------------------------
          (Zoe E. Baird)
 
                *                     Director                              September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
          (John C. Beck)
 
                *                     Director                              September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
        (Sheila P. Burke)
 
                *                     Director                              September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
       (James J. Cash, Jr.)
 
                *                     Director                              September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
        (Percy Chubb, III)
 
                *                     Director                              September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
         (Joel J. Cohen)
 
                                      Director
- ----------------------------------
       (James M. Cornelius)
 
                *                     Director                              September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
         (David H. Hoag)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-6
<PAGE>   27
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            SIGNATURE                               TITLE                          DATE
            ---------                               -----                          ----
<S>                                   <C>                                   <C>
                *                     Director                              September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
       (Thomas C. MacAvoy)
 
                *                     Director                              September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
        (Warren B. Rudman)
 
                *                     Director                              September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
   (Sir David G. Scholey, CBE)
 
                *                     Director                              September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
       (Raymond G.H. Seitz)
 
                *                     Director                              September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
       (Lawrence M. Small)
 
                *                     Director                              September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
        (Richard D. Wood)
 
                                      Director
- ----------------------------------
       (James M. Zimmerman)
 
                *                     Executive Vice President and Chief    September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------    Financial Officer
         (David B. Kelso)
 
                *                     Senior Vice President and Chief       September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------    Accounting Officer
        (Henry B. Schram)
 
*By     /s/ HENRY G. GULICK
- ----------------------------------
        (Henry G. Gulick,
        attorney-in-fact)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-7
<PAGE>   28
 
                                   SIGNATURES
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, Chubb Capital
Corporation certifies that it has reasonable grounds to believe that it meets
all of the requirements for filing on Form S-3 and has duly caused this
registration statement to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto
duly authorized, in the Township of Warren, State of New Jersey, on the 10th day
of September, 1998.
 
                                          CHUBB CAPITAL CORPORATION
 
                                          By       /s/ GAIL E. DEVLIN
 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            GAIL E. DEVLIN
                                            VICE PRESIDENT
 
     Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Act of 1933, this
Registration Statement has been signed by the following persons in the
capacities as officers and directors of Chubb Capital Corporation and on the
date indicated.
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
            SIGNATURE                               TITLE                          DATE
            ---------                               -----                          ----
<S>                                   <C>                                   <C>
 
        /s/ DEAN R. O'HARE            President and Director                September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
         (Dean R. O'Hare)
 
      /s/ ERIC H. GROSSEIBL           Vice President, Treasurer and         September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------    Director
       (Eric H. Grosseibl)
 
       /s/ HENRY G. GULICK            Vice President, Secretary and         September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------    Director
        (Henry G. Gulick)
 
        /s/ GAIL E. DEVLIN            Vice President and Director           September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
         (Gail E. Devlin)
 
      /s/ PHILIP J. SEMPIER           Vice President and Director           September 10, 1998
- ----------------------------------
       (Philip J. Sempier)
</TABLE>
 
                                      II-8
<PAGE>   29
 
                                  EXHIBIT LIST
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
- -------
<S>           <C>  <C>
Exhibit 1.1   --   Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the Debt
                   Securities (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.1
                   to Chubb's and Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3
                   (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 1.2   --   Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the Guaranteed
                   Debt Securities (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit
                   1.2 to Chubb's and Capital's Registration Statement on Form
                   S-3 (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 1.3   --   Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the Common Stock,
                   Preferred Stock and convertible Subordinated Debt Securities
                   of Chubb (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.3 to
                   Chubb's and Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3
                   (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 1.4   --   Form of Underwriting Agreement relating to the convertible
                   Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities of Capital
                   (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 1.4 to Chubb's
                   and Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No.
                   33-59111)).
Exhibit 4.1   --   Indenture dated as of October 25, 1989, between Chubb and
                   The First National Bank of Chicago relating to Senior Debt
                   Securities (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4(a)
                   to Chubb's and Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3
                   (No. 33-31796)).
Exhibit 4.2   --   Indenture dated as of October 25, 1989, among, Capital,
                   Chubb, as guarantor and The First National Bank of Chicago
                   relating to Guaranteed Senior Debt Securities (incorporated
                   herein by reference to Exhibit 4(a) to Chubb's and Capital's
                   Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-31796)).
Exhibit 4.3   --   Form of Indenture between Chubb and The First National Bank
                   of Chicago relating to Subordinated Debt Securities
                   (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.3 to Chubb's
                   and Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No.
                   33-59111)).
Exhibit 4.4   --   Form of Indenture among Capital, Chubb, as guarantor and The
                   First National Bank of Chicago relating to Guaranteed
                   Subordinated Debt Securities (incorporated herein by
                   reference to Exhibit 4.4 to Chubb's and Capital's
                   Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 4.5   --   Forms of Senior Debt Securities (included in Exhibit 4.1).
Exhibit 4.6   --   Forms of Guaranteed Senior Debt Securities (included in
                   Exhibit 4.2).
Exhibit 4.7   --   Forms of Subordinated Debt Securities (included in Exhibit
                   4.3).
Exhibit 4.8   --   Forms of Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities (included
                   in Exhibit 4.4).
Exhibit 4.9   --   Restated Certificate of Incorporation of Chubb (incorporated
                   herein by reference to Exhibit 3 to Chubb's Quarterly Report
                   on Form 10-Q for the six months ended June 30, 1996).
Exhibit 4.10  --   Form of Deposit Agreement (incorporated herein by reference
                   to Exhibit 4.10 to Chubb's and Capital's Registration
                   Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 4.11  --   Form of Depositary Receipt for Chubb Depositary Shares
                   (included in Exhibit 4.10).
Exhibit 4.12  --   Form of Chubb Common Stock and Preferred Stock Warrant
                   Agreement (incorporated herein by reference to Exhibit 4.12
                   to Chubb's and Capital's Registration Statement on Form S-3
                   (No. 33-59111)).
</TABLE>
<PAGE>   30
 
<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
EXHIBIT
- -------
<S>           <C>  <C>
Exhibit 4.13  --   Form of Chubb Debt Warrant Agreement (incorporated herein by
                   reference to Exhibit 4.13 to Chubb's and Capital's
                   Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 4.14  --   Form of Capital Debt Warrant Agreement (incorporated herein
                   by reference to Exhibit 4.14 to Chubb's and Capital's
                   Registration Statement on Form S-3 (No. 33-59111)).
Exhibit 5.1   --   Opinion of Davis Polk & Wardwell as to the legality of
                   Securities to be issued.
Exhibit 5.2   --   Opinion of Shanley & Fisher, P.C. as to certain matters of
                   New Jersey law.
Exhibit 12    --   Statement re: Computation of Ratio of Consolidated Earnings
                   to Fixed Charges of Chubb.
Exhibit 23.1  --   Consent of Ernst & Young LLP
Exhibit 23.2  --   Consent of Davis Polk & Wardwell (included in Exhibit 5.1).
Exhibit 23.3  --   Consent of Shanley & Fisher, P.C. (included in Exhibit 5.2).
Exhibit 24.1  --   Powers of Attorney for the Directors of Chubb.
</TABLE>

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.1

                     [Letterhead of Davis Polk & Wardwell]


                                                              September 10, 1998

The Chubb Corporation
15 Mountain View Road
P.O. Box 1615
Warren, New Jersey 07061-1615

Chubb Capital Corporation
c/o The Chubb Corporation
15 Mountain View Road
P.O. Box 1615
Warren, New Jersey 07061-1615

          RE:  THE CHUBB CORPORATION;
               CHUBB CAPITAL CORPORATION--
               REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3
               ----------------------------------

Dear Sirs:

     We are acting as counsel for The Chubb Corporation, a New Jersey 
corporation (the "CORPORATION") and Chubb Capital Corporation, a New Jersey 
corporation ("CAPITAL"), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form 
S-3 (the "REGISTRATION STATEMENT") filed with the Securities and Exchange 
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "ACT"), for the 
registration of (a) securities of each class as described therein with an 
aggregate offering price of $600,000,000 to be issued from time to time by 
either the
<PAGE>   2
The Chubb Corporation                   2                   September 10, 1998
Chubb Capital Corporation



Corporation or Capital, as the case may be: (i) senior debt securities (the 
"SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES") to be issued by the Corporation under an indenture 
dated as of October 25, 1989, between the Corporation and The First National 
Bank of Chicago, as trustee (the "SENIOR INDENTURE"); (ii) subordinated debt 
securities (the "SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES" and, together with the Senior 
Debt Securities, the "DEBT SECURITIES") to be issued by the Corporation under 
an indenture to be executed by the Corporation and the First National Bank of 
Chicago, as trustee (the "SUBORDINATED INDENTURE"); (iii) guaranteed senior 
debt securities (the "GUARANTEED SENIOR DEBT SECURITIES") to be issued by 
Capital under an indenture dated as of October 25, 1989, among Capital, the 
Corporation, as guarantor, and The First National Bank of Chicago, as trustee 
(the "SENIOR CAPITAL INDENTURE"); (iv) guaranteed subordinated debt securities 
(the "GUARANTEED SUBORDINATED DEBT SECURITIES" and, together with the 
Guaranteed Senior Debt Securities, the "GUARANTEED DEBT SECURITIES") to be 
issued by Capital under an indenture to be executed by Capital, the 
Corporation, as guarantor, and The First National Bank of Chicago, as trustee 
(the "SUBORDINATED CAPITAL INDENTURE"); (v) common stock of the Corporation 
(the "COMMON STOCK"); (vi) preferred stock of the Corporation (the "PREFERRED 
STOCK"); (vii) preferred stock depositary shares (the "DEPOSITARY SHARES") to 
be issued under a deposit agreement to be entered into among the Corporation, a 
depositary and holders of depositary receipts (the "DEPOSIT AGREEMENT"); (viii) 
debt warrants to be issued by the Corporation (the "CORPORATION DEBT WARRANTS") 
under a debt warrant agreement to be entered into between the Corporation and a 
debt warrant agent (the "CORPORATION DEBT WARRANT AGREEMENT"); (ix) debt 
warrants to be issued by Capital (the "CAPITAL DEBT WARRANTS" and, together 
with the Corporation Debt Warrants, the "DEBT WARRANTS") to be issued by 
Capital under a debt warrant agreement to be entered into between Capital and a 
debt warrant agent (the "CAPITAL DEBT WARRANT AGREEMENT"); and (x) stock 
warrants to be issued by the Corporation (the "STOCK WARRANTS" and, together 
with the Debt Warrants, the "WARRANTS") under a stock warrant agreement to be 
entered into between the Corporation and a stock warrant agent (the "STOCK 
WARRANT AGREEMENT") and (b) the guarantees by the Corporation of the payment of 
principal of and premium, if any, and interest on each of the Guaranteed Senior 
Debt Securities (the "SENIOR GUARANTEES") and the Guaranteed Subordinated Debt 
Securities (the "SUBORDINATED GUARANTEES").

     We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to 
our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of public 

                                       2
<PAGE>   3
The Chubb Corporation                  3                     September 10, 1998
Chubb Capital Corporation


officials and other instruments as we have deemed necessary or advisable for 
purposes of this opinion.

     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that each of the 
Corporation and Capital is a corporation duly organized and validly existing 
under the laws of the State of New Jersey.

     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the further opinion that when the 
Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, then:

               (1)  When the Subordinated Indenture or the Subordinated Capital
          Indenture, as the case may be, if applicable, has been duly authorized
          and executed by the parties thereto, the Debt Securities and, if
          applicable, the Senior Guarantees or Subordinated Guarantees, as the
          case may be, when issued in accordance with the terms of the relevant
          Indenture will be valid and binding obligations of the Corporation or
          Capital, as the case may be.

               (2)  When the issuance of any shares of Common Stock or Preferred
          Stock has been duly authorized under New Jersey law and such shares 
          are issued, such shares will be validly issued, fully-paid and
          nonassessable.

               (3)  When any Warrant Agreement has been duly authorized and
          executed by the parties thereto, any Warrants when issued in
          accordance with the terms of the relevant Warrant Agreement will be
          valid and binding obligations of the Corporation or Capital, as the
          case may be.

               (4)  When the Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized and
          executed by the parties thereto, and Preferred Stock has been
          deposited thereunder, any Depositary Shares when issued in accordance
          with the terms thereof will be valid and binding instruments in
          accordance with their terms and the terms of the Deposit Agreement.

                                       3

                                       
<PAGE>   4
The Chubb Corporation                  4                      September 10, 1998
Chubb Capital Corporation


     In rendering the foregoing opinion, we have relied upon the opinion to 
you of even date herewith of Shanley & Fisher, P.C., included as Exhibit 5(b) 
to the Registration Statement, as to all matters governed by New Jersey law.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the 
Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the 
caption "Legal Matters" in the Prospectus contained in the Registration 
Statement.

                                   Very truly yours,


                                   /s/ Davis Polk & Wardwell


                                       4

<PAGE>   1
                                                                     EXHIBIT 5.2

                         [SHANLEY & FISHER LETTERHEAD]




                                        September 10, 1998

The Chubb Corporation
15 Mountain View Road
P.O. Box 1615
Warren, New Jersey 07061-1615

Chubb Capital Corporation
c/o The Chubb Corporation
15 Mountain View Road
P.O. Box 1615
Warren, New Jersey 07061-1615

Davis Polk & Wardwell
450 Lexington Avenue
New York, New York 10017

     Re:  THE CHUBB CORPORATION;
          CHUBB CAPITAL CORPORATION--
          REGISTRATION STATEMENT ON FORM S-3

Dear Sirs:

     We are acting as New Jersey Counsel for The Chubb Corporation, a New Jersey
corporation (the "Corporation"), and Chubb Capital Corporation, a New Jersey
corporation ("Capital"), in connection with the Registration Statement on Form
S-3 (the "Registration Statement") filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission under the Securities Act of 1933, as amended (the "Act"), for the
registration of (a) securities of each class as described therein with an
aggregate offering price of $600,000,000 to be issued from time to time by
either the Corporation or Capital, as the case may be, consisting of: (i) senior
debt securities (the "Senior Debt Securities") to be issued by the Corporation
under an indenture
<PAGE>   2

                                SHANLEY & FISHER


The Chubb Corporation
Chubb Capital Corporation
Davis Polk & Wardwell
September 10, 1998
Page 2


dated as of October 25, 1989, between the Corporation and The First National 
Bank of Chicago, as trustee (the "Senior Indenture"); (ii) subordinated debt 
securities (the "Subordinated Debt Securities" and together with the Senior 
Debt Securities, the "Debt Securities") to be issued by the Corporation under 
an indenture to be executed by the Corporation and The First National Bank of 
Chicago, as trustee (the "Subordinated Indenture"); (iii) guaranteed senior 
debt securities (the "Guaranteed Senior Debt Securities") to be issued by 
Capital under an indenture dated as of October 25, 1989, between Capital, the 
Corporation, as guarantor, and The First National Bank of Chicago, as trustee 
(the "Senior Capital Indenture"); (iv) guaranteed subordinated debt securities 
(the "Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities" and together with the Guaranteed 
Senior Debt Securities, the "Guaranteed Debt Securities") to be issued by 
Capital under an indenture to be executed by Capital, the Corporation, as 
guarantor, and The First National Bank of Chicago, as trustee (the 
"Subordinated Capital Indenture"); (v) common stock of the Corporation (the 
"Common Stock"); (vi) preferred stock of the Corporation (the "Preferred 
Stock"); (vii) preferred stock depositary shares (the "Depositary Shares") to 
be issued by the Corporation under a deposit agreement to be entered into 
between the Corporation, a depositary and holders of depositary receipts (the 
"Deposit Agreement"); (viii) debt warrants to be issued by the Corporation (the 
"Corporation Debt Warrants") under a debt warrant agreement to be entered into 
between the Corporation and a debt warrant agent (the "Corporation Debt Warrant 
Agreement"); (ix) debt warrants to be issued by Capital (the "Capital Debt 
Warrants" and together with the Corporation Debt Warrants, the "Debt Warrants") 
to be issued by Capital under a debt warrant agreement to be entered into 
between Capital and a debt warrant agent (the "Capital Debt Warrant 
Agreement"); and (x) stock warrants to be issued by the Corporation (the "Stock 
Warrants" and together with the Debt Warrants, the "Warrants") under a stock 
warrant agreement to be entered into between the Corporation and a stock 
warrant agent (the "Stock Warrant Agreement") and (b) the guarantees by the 
Corporation of the payment of principal of and premium, if any, and interest on 
each of the Guaranteed Senior Debt Securities (the "Senior Guarantees") and the 
Guaranteed Subordinated Debt Securities (the "Subordinated Guarantees").

     We have examined originals or copies, certified or otherwise identified to 
our satisfaction, of such documents, corporate records, certificates of public 
officials and other instruments as we have deemed necessary or advisable for 
purposes of this opinion.

     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the opinion that each of


<PAGE>   3
                                SHANLEY & FISHER

The Chubb Corporation
Chubb Capital Corporation
Davis Polk & Wardwell
September 10, 1998
Page 3


the Corporation and Capital is a corporation duly organized and validly 
existing under the laws of the State of New Jersey.

     Based upon the foregoing, we are of the further opinion that when the 
Registration Statement has become effective under the Act, then:

               (1) When the Subordinated Indenture or the Subordinated Capital
     Indenture, as the case may be, if applicable, has been duly authorized and
     executed by the parties thereto, the Debt Securities and, if applicable,
     the Senior Guarantees or Subordinated Guarantees, as the case may be, when
     issued in accordance with the terms of the relevant Indenture, will be
     valid and binding obligations of the Corporation or Capital, as the case
     may be.

               (2) When the issuance of any shares of Common Stock or Preferred
     Stock has been duly authorized under New Jersey law and such shares are 
     issued, such shares will be validly issued, fully-paid and nonassessable.

               (3) When any Warrant Agreement has been duly authorized and 
     executed by the parties thereto, any Warrants when issued in accordance 
     with the terms of the relevant Warrant Agreement will be valid and binding 
     obligations of the Corporation or Capital, as the case may be.

               (4) When the Deposit Agreement has been duly authorized and 
     executed by the parties thereto, and Preferred Stock has been deposited 
     thereunder, any Depositary Shares when issued in accordance with the terms 
     thereof will be valid and binding instruments in accordance with their 
     terms and the terms of the Deposit Agreement.

     We hereby consent to the filing of this opinion as an exhibit to the
Registration Statement. We also consent to the reference to us under the caption
"Legal Matters" in the Prospectus contained in the Registration Statement.


                                   Very truly yours,

                                   /s/ Shanley & Fisher, P.C.


<PAGE>   1
                                                                      EXHIBIT 12




                                 THE CHUBB CORPORATION

        COMPUTATION OF RATIO OF CONSOLIDATED EARNINGS TO FIXED CHARGES


<TABLE>
<CAPTION>
                                                                                                                         Six Months
                                                                              Year Ended December 31,                       Ended
                                                              -------------------------------------------------------      June 30,
                                                              1993         1994         1995         1996        1997        1998
                                                              ----         ----         ----         ----        ----    ----------
<S>                                                          <C>          <C>          <C>          <C>         <C>      <C>
Income from continuing operations before provision
  for income taxes ........................................  $233.7       $611.3       $837.0       $546.9      $ 974.1     $461.7

Add
    Interest expensed .....................................    62.5         77.1         82.2         76.7         63.7       10.2

    Capitalized interest amortized or expensed ............     1.7          1.7          9.9         80.8          8.8        8.2

    Portion of rents representative of the 
      interest factor .....................................    28.6         26.9         26.6         26.5         27.9       14.3
                                                             ------      ------        ------       ------      --------     ------
          Income as adjusted ..............................  $326.5      $717.0        $955.7       $730.9      $1,074.5     $494.4
                                                             ======      ======        ======       ======      ========     ======
 Fixed charges:

         Interest expensed...............................    $ 62.5      $ 77.1        $ 82.2       $ 76.7      $   63.7     $ 10.2
                                                                                                                             
         Capitalized interest............................      28.1        19.4          16.4         12.8           8.7       -
                                                                                                                             
         Portion (one-third) of rents representative of 
            the interest factor..........................      28.6        26.9          26.6         26.5          27.9       14.3
                                                             ------      ------        ------       ------      --------     ------
                 Fixed charges ..........................    $119.8      $123.4        $125.2       $116.0      $  100.3     $ 24.5
                                                             ======      ======        ======       ======      ========     ======

Ratio of consolidated earnings to fixed charges.........       2.73        5.81          7.63         6.30         10.71      20.18
                                                             ======      ======        ======       ======      ========     ======
                                                                                                                             
</TABLE>



                                     Page 1

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    EXHIBIT 23.1



                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement (Form S-3) and related Prospectus of The Chubb
Corporation and Chubb Capital Corporation for the registration of $600,000,000
of debt securities, guaranteed debt securities, common stock, preferred stock,
depositary shares and warrants, and to the incorporation by reference therein of
our reports dated February 20, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of The Chubb Corporation incorporated by reference in its Annual
Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 1997 and dated March 25,
1998, with respect to the financial statement schedules of The Chubb Corporation
included therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                                    ERNST & YOUNG LLP

                                                /s/ Ernst & Young LLP

New York, New York
September 10, 1998

<PAGE>   1
                                                                    Exhibit 24.1

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



          2/23/98                                   /s/  John C. Beck
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                        John C. Beck  
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)
<PAGE>   2
                                                                

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



          2/28/98                                   /s/  Sheila P. Burke    
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                     Sheila P. Burke    
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)
<PAGE>   3
                                                                

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



          2/23/98                                 /s/  James I. Cash, Jr.
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                     James I. Cash, Jr.
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)
<PAGE>   4
                                                                

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



   18 February 1998                                /s/  Percy Chubb
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                        Percy Chubb
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)
<PAGE>   5
                                                                

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



February 23, 1998                                   /s/  Joel Cohen
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                         Joel Cohen
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)
<PAGE>   6
                                                                

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



    February 23, 1998                                /s/  David H. Hoag
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                       David H. Hoag
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)
<PAGE>   7
                                                                

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



February 25, 1998                                   /s/  Thomas C. MacAvoy
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                      Thomas C. MacAvoy
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)
<PAGE>   8
                                                                

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



          2/19/98                                   /s/  Dean R. O'Hare
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                      Dean R. O'Hare
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)
<PAGE>   9
                                                                

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



         2/24/98                                   /s/  Warren B. Rudman
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                      Warren B. Rudman
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)
<PAGE>   10
                                                                

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



   23rd February '98                               /s/  David G. Scholey
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                     Sir David G. Scholey
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)
<PAGE>   11
                                                                

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



    February 25, 1998                             /s/  Raymond G. H. Seitz
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                    Raymond G. H. Seitz
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)
<PAGE>   12
                                                                

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



      2/23/98                                     /s/  Lawrence M. Small
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                    Lawrence M. Small
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)
<PAGE>   13
                                                                

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



February 26, 1998                                  /s/  Richard D. Wood   
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                     Richard D. Wood   
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)
<PAGE>   14
                                                                

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



        2/17/98                                    /s/  David B. Kelso 
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                      David B. Kelso 
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)
<PAGE>   15
                                                                

                              POWER OF ATTORNEY


        I, the undersigned, hereby constitute and appoint Henry G. Gulick, Dean
R. O'Hare and Philip J. Sempier, each of them with full power to act without
the others, my true and lawful attorneys-in-fact and agents, with full power of
substitution and resubstitution, for me and in my name, place and stead, in any
and all capacities to sign (i) a Form 10-K Annual Report of The Chubb
Corporation for its fiscal year ended December 31, 1997 pursuant to the
requirement of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and (ii) registration
statements, amendments and post-effective amendments to registration statements
including but not limited to registration statements, amendments and
post-effective amendments to registration statements on Form S-8 and Form S-3
under the Securities Act of 1933 and to file the same, or cause the same to be
filed, with all exhibits thereto, and other documents in connection therewith,
with the Securities and Exchange Commission. I further grant unto said
attorneys-in-fact and agents, and each of them, full power and authority to do
and perform each and every act and thing requisite and necessary to be done in
the exercise of the powers herein granted, as fully as I could do if personally
present, hereby ratifying and confirming all that said attorneys-in-fact and
agents or any of them, or any of their substitutes, may lawfully do or cause to
be done by the powers herein granted.



         2/19/98                                   /s/  Henry B. Schram
- --------------------------                  ------------------------------------
(Date)                                      (Signature)


                                                      Henry B. Schram
                                            ------------------------------------
                                            (Please Print or Type Name)


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