Exhibit 23.1



CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS


As independent public accountants, we hereby consent to the incorporation by
reference in this registration statement No. 333-83446 of our report dated
February 8, 2002 included in United Fire & Casualty Company's Form 10-K/A for
the year ended December 31, 2001 and to all references to our Firm included in
this registration statement.




Arthur Andersen LLP

Chicago, Illinois
May 3, 2002