UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, D.C. 20549
FORM 8-K
CURRENT REPORT
Pursuant to Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934
Date of Report (Date of earliest event reported) June 20, 2002
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Commission File Number 2-39621
UNITED FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY
(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)
Iowa 42-0644327
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(State of Incorporation) (IRS Employer Identification No.)
118 Second Avenue S.E., Cedar Rapids, Iowa 52407-3909
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(Address of principal executive offices) (Zip Code)
Registrant's telephone number, including area code: (319) 399-5700
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(Former name or former address, if changed since last report)
Item 4. Changes in Registrant's Certifying Accountant.
1. On June 20, 2002, United Fire & Casualty Company, an Iowa corporation (the
"Registrant"), dismissed Arthur Andersen LLP as its independent auditor and
determined to engage Ernst & Young LLP as its new independent auditors. The
change in independent auditors became effective June 20, 2002. The decision
to dismiss Arthur Andersen LLP and to engage Ernst & Young LLP was
recommended by the Registrant's Audit Committee and approved by the
Registrant's Board of Directors.
2. Arthur Andersen LLP's reports on the Registrant's financial statements did
not, in either of the past two fiscal years, contain an adverse opinion or
a disclaimer of opinion, nor were they qualified or modified as to
uncertainty, audit scope, or accounting principles.
3. During the Registrant's two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent
interim period between December 31, 2001 and June 20, 2002, there were no
"reportable events" (as defined in Item 304(a)(1)(v) of Regulation S-K
promulgated by the Securities and Exchange Commission).
4. During the Registrant's two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent
interim period between December 31, 2001 and June 20, 2002, there were no
disagreements with Arthur Andersen LLP on any matter of accounting
principles or practices, financial statement disclosures, or auditing scope
or procedure, which disagreements, if not resolved to the satisfaction of
such accountant, would have caused it to make reference to the subject
matter of the disagreement in connection with its report.
5. The Registrant provided Arthur Andersen LLP with a copy of the foregoing
disclosures in advance of the day that these disclosures were filed by the
Company with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Attached as Exhibit
16.1 to this Current Report on Form 8-K is a copy of Arthur Andersen LLP's
letter, dated June 25, 2002, stating its agreement with such statements.
6. During the Registrant's two most recent fiscal years and the subsequent
interim period between December 31, 2001 and June 20, 2002, the Registrant
did not consult with Ernst & Young LLP regarding any of the matters or
events described in Item 304(a)(2)(i) or (ii) of Regulation S-K.
Item 7. Financial Statements, Pro Forma Financial Information and Exhibits
Exhibits
Exhibit No. Description
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16.1 Arthur Andersen LLP letter dated June 25, 2002.
SIGNATURE
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the
Registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the
undersigned hereunto duly authorized.
UNITED FIRE & CASUALTY COMPANY
By: /s/ Kent G. Baker
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Kent G. Baker
Vice President & Chief Financial Officer
Dated: June 21, 2002