EXHIBIT 23.1



                       CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED
                             PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM


Donegal Mutual Insurance Company 401(k) Plan
Marietta, Pennsylvania


     We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration
Statements on Form S-8 (Nos. 333-93785, 333-94301 and 333-89644) of our report
dated June 22, 2005, relating to the financial statements and supplemental
schedule of the Donegal Mutual Insurance Company 401(k) Plan, appearing in this
Annual Report on Form 11-K for the year ended December 31, 2004.



/s/ BDO SEIDMAN, LLP

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
July 13, 2005