EXHIBIT 23.1


                     CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS



We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
of ACE Limited on Form S-8 with respect to the ACE Limited 1996 Replacement
Option Plan of our reports dated November 5, 1997, on our audits of the
consolidated financial statements and financial statement schedules of ACE
Limited and Subsidiaries as of September 30, 1997 and 1996, and for each of
the three years in the period ended September 30, 1997, which reports are
included in ACE Limited's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended
September 30, 1997.



                                      /s/ COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.


New York, New York
February 9, 1998