PROSPECTUS SUPPLEMENT DATED NOVEMBER 14, 1997
                           FOR THE ALLIED GROUP, INC.
                  DIVIDEND REINVESTMENT AND STOCK PURCHASE PLAN

The prospectus dated February 11, 1997 (the  "Prospectus") for the ALLIED Group,
Inc. Dividend  Reinvestment and Stock Purchase Plan (the "Plan") is supplemented
to reflect the  information  set forth  below.  You should keep this  Prospectus
Supplement with the Prospectus.

3-FOR-2 STOCK SPLIT

The Company effected a 3-for-2 stock split on November 14, 1997, which increased
the  number of shares  remaining  to be issued  under the Plan from  846,056  to
1,269,084.