EXHIBIT 23.1

                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS

We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in the
Registration Statement on Form S-3 and related Prospectus of Westcorp for the
registration of its common stock and to the incorporation by reference therein
of our report dated January 22, 2001, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements of Westcorp for the year ended December 31, 2000 included in its
Annual Report on Form 10-K/A filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission.



                                    /s/ Ernst & Young LLP
                                        ERNST & YOUNG LLP

Los Angeles, California
January 22, 2002