EX-23 7 l12687aexv23.txt EX-23 Exhibit 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-29483, 333-88532, and 333-105092) and on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-42944, 333-73738, 333-73740, 333-88398 and 333-91906) of Ohio Casualty Corporation of our reports dated March 1, 2005, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Ohio Casualty Corporation, Ohio Casualty Corporation management's assessment of the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting, and the effectiveness of internal control over financial reporting of Ohio Casualty Corporation, included in this Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended December 31, 2004. /s/ Ernst & Young LLP Ernst & Young LLP Cincinnati, Ohio March 7, 2005