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                                                                      EXHIBIT 23


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                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


We consent to the incorporation by reference in the Registration Statement (Form
S-8 No. 33-55276 and Form S-8 No. 333-08267) pertaining to the Open Market Stock
Purchase Plan of Medical Assurance, Inc. of our report dated February 14, 2001,
with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of Medical
Assurance, Inc. included in the Annual Report (Form 10-K) for the year ended
December 31, 2000.



Ernst & Young LLP
Birmingham, Alabama
March 28, 2001


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