EXHIBIT 23.1
 
                      CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT ACCOUNTANTS
 
  We consent to the inclusion in this Form 10-K of our report dated January
11, 1998, on our audits of the financial statements and financial statement
schedules of EXEL Limited.
 
  We further consent to the incorporation by reference in the registration
statements of EXEL Limited on Form S-3 (File No. 33-76170), Form S-8 (File No.
33-86826) and Form S-8 and S-3 (File No. 33-86824) of our report dated January
23, 1998 on our audits of the financial statements and financial statement
schedules of EXEL Limited.
 
                                          Coopers & Lybrand
 
Hamilton, Bermuda
February 5, 1998