<DOCUMENT>
<TYPE>EX-23
<SEQUENCE>3
<FILENAME>dex23.txt
<DESCRIPTION>CONSENT OF ERNST & YOUNG LLP
<TEXT>
<PAGE>

EXHIBIT 23

                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS







We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8) pertaining to the United-Lafayette 401(k) Profit Sharing Plan of United
Fire & Casualty Company of our report dated July 14, 2003, with respect to the
2002 financial statements and schedule of the United-Lafayette 401(k) Profit
Sharing Plan included in this annual report (Form 11-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2002.

                                             /s/ Ernst & Young LLP


Chicago, Illinois
July 14, 2003

                                       11

</TEXT>
</DOCUMENT>
