Exhibit 23.1

CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS

We consent to the  incorporation by reference in the  registration  statement of
Symons  International  Group,  Inc. on Form S-8 (File No.  0-0000) of our report
dated March 21, 1997, on our audits of the consolidated financial statements and
financial statement schedules of Symons International Group, Inc. as of December
31, 1996 and 1995,  and for the years ended  December 31,  1996,  1995 and 1994,
which was included in the 1996 annual report to shareholders and incorporated by
reference in the Annual Report on Form 10-K (File No. 2-9042) for the year ended
December  31,  1996.  We also  consent  to the  reference  to our firm under the
caption "Experts".


/s/ Coopers & Lybrand, L.L.P.
Indianapolis, Indiana
January 21, 1998

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