Ernst & Young LLP letterhead



The Board of Directors
American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company

We consent to the reference to our firm under the captions "Financial
Statements" and "Experts" and to the use of our report dated April 8, 1998 with
respect to American Equity Investment Life Insurance Company, in the
Registration Statement under the Securities Act of 1933 (Form S-6 No. 333-45815)
and related Prospectus of American Equity Life Variable Account.

Sincerely,

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Des Moines, Iowa
August 11, 1998