64
                                   EXHIBIT 23



CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement dated
April 28, 1983 on Form S-8 No. 2-72576 pertaining to the 1981 Stock Purchase
Plan, the Registration Statement dated August 6, 1993 on Form S-8 No. 33-31316
pertaining to the Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Employee Discounted Stock Option Plan,
the Registration Statement dated March 29, 1990 on Form S-8 No. 33-34107
pertaining to the Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. Deferred Directors Fee Option Plan of
our report dated February 26, 1998, with respect to the consolidated financial
statements and schedules of Baldwin & Lyons, Inc. and subsidiaries included in
the Annual Report (Form 10K) for the year ended December 31, 1997.



/S/ ERNST & YOUNG LLP


Indianapolis, Indiana
March 23, 1998

 64