Exhibit 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANT


We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration Statement on
Form S-8 of our report dated February 14, 1996 on our audits of the consolidated
financial statements and financial statement schedules of Zenith National
Insurance Corp. and its subsidiaries as of December 31, 1995 and 1994, and for
each of the three years in the period ended December 31, 1995, which is included
in the Annual Report on Form 10-K.

                                                        COOPERS & LYBRAND L.L.P.

Los Angeles, California
May 22, 1996


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