1
                                                                  EXHIBIT 23(b)


                         CONSENT OF INDEPENDENT AUDITORS


         We consent to the reference to our firm under the caption "Experts" in
the Registration Statement on Form S-3 and related Prospectus of State Auto
Financial Corporation for the registration of 300,000 shares of its common stock
and to the incorporation by reference therein of our report dated February 21,
1997, with respect to the consolidated financial statements and schedules of
State Auto Financial Corporation included in its Annual Report (Form 10-K) for
the year ended December 31, 1996, filed with the Securities and Exchange
Commission.

ERNST & YOUNG LLP

/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Columbus, Ohio
December 10, 1997