EXHIBIT 23 CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT CERTIFIED PUBLIC ACCOUNTANTS Foremost Corporation of America Grand Rapids, Michigan We hereby consent to the incorporation by reference of our reports dated February 17, 1998, relating to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Foremost Corporation of America appearing in the Company's annual report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 1997, in that Corporation's previously filed Form S-8 Registration Statements File No. 33-96692 and 33-96694. BDO SEIDMAN, LLP BDO SEIDMAN, LLP February 17, 1998 Grand Rapids, Michigan