Exhibit 23



                        CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS




We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statements
on Form S-3 (Nos. 333-70761, 333-29483, 333-88532 and 333-105092) and on
Form S-8 (Nos. 333-69895, 333-87413, 333-42942, 333-42944, 333-73738,
333-73740, 333-88398, 333-91906 and 333-97987) of Ohio Casualty Corporation
and subsidiaries of our report dated February 12, 2004, with respect to
the financial statements and schedules of Ohio Casualty Corporation and
subsidiaries included in the Annual Report to Shareholders on Form 10-K for
the years ended December 31, 2003, 2002 and 2001.





/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Ernst & Young LLP
Cincinnati, Ohio
March 10, 2004