EXHIBIT 23.1 INDEPENDENT AUDITOR'S CONSENT Foremost Corporation of America Grand Rapids, Michigan We consent to the incorporation by reference in this Registration State- ment of Foremost Corporation of America on Form S-8 of our reports dated February 14, 1997, except for Note 12 which is as of March 26, 1997, 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, 1996. /s/ BDO Seidman, LLP Grand Rapids, Michigan February 25, 1998