The subject of this thesis is the representation of the characteristics and development of mutual insurance companies, with the aim of emphasizing the difference between mutual and stock insurance companies by the method of comparison. One of the biggest differences lies precisely in the purpose of their business, therefore mutual insurance companies, that are owned by it's members, aim to achieve the common interests of all their member-owners, while the primary goal of stock insurance companies is to achieve and maximize profits for the benefit of shareholders. In addition to the above, by analyzing statistical databases and publications, the thesis provides insight into the current development of the European mutual insurance market, and at the same time highlights the advantages of mutual insurance companies that can contribute to the development of mutual life insurance, but also shows the disadvantages that slow down their growth, of which the most noteworthy is the limited access to capital. Some of the factors influencing the development of life insurance are the trend of demographic aging of the population, digitalization of companies' operations, and financial literacy and citizens' trust in institutions and companies. The survey showed that respondents are aware of the importance of additional investment and savings for retirement, considering the unsustainability of the current pension system due to the trend of demographic aging, but the same respondents still do not show sufficient interest in investing in life insurance. Also, the survey research has shown that the insurance premium price is a factor that significantly influences the decision of the majority of respondents when choosing an insurer. Considering the fact that mutual insurance companies usually offer lower premiums or distribute the realized profit to the insured, and not the shareholders, such a result may indicate the possibility of developing mutual life insurance. Methods applied in this thesis are the method of logical reasoning, the descriptive method, the comparison method and graphical display of data. The methodology used in analysing the results of the research conducted with a survey questionnaire was the qualitative methodology in combination with simple quantitative indicators.