1
                                                                    Exhibit 23.1


                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 333-_____) pertaining to the Executive Risk Inc. Performance Share Plan
and the Executive Risk Inc. Stock Incentive Plan of our reports dated February
4, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial statements of Executive Risk
Inc. incorporated by reference in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year
ended December 31, 1997 and the related financial statement schedule included
therein, filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.


                                             ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Stamford, Connecticut
May 7, 1998