1
 
                EXHIBIT 23.1 -- CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS
 
     We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement
(Form S-8, No. 33-11323) pertaining to the Employee Stock Ownership Plan of
United Insurance Companies, Inc. of our report dated March 8, 1996 (except for
Note O, as to which the date is March 27, 1996), with respect to the 1995 and
1994 consolidated financial statements and schedules of United Insurance
Companies, Inc. and Subsidiaries included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for
the year ended December 31, 1995.
 
                                                               ERNST & YOUNG LLP
 
Dallas, Texas
March 29, 1996