Motion Specialty Launches Lloyd’s MGU, Founded by Former Hiscox Executives

Motion Specialty has been approved as a Lloyd’s of London coverholder, founded by former Hiscox executives Dan Alpay and Alex Kickham.

The business writes on behalf of Lloyd’s Syndicate 1301, managed by Inigo Ltd., and is supported by Johnson and Johnson, the Charleston, South Carolina-based independent wholesale US broker.

Motion Specialty initially is focusing on high value homes (HVH) and standalone flood insurance, targeting the wholesale-to-wholesale distribution channel. The business offers comprehensive coverage for individuals in challenging areas, using a combination of strong relationships, advanced data utilization, and cutting-edge technology.

Founders Alpay and Kickham have more than 25 years’ experience and bring extensive knowledge across HVH and flood underwriting, in addition to the wider property catastrophe space.

The creation of Motion Specialty creates an entrepreneurial, data-driven venture that draws on Inigo’s underwriting and modeling expertise, analytical capabilities, and strategic focus. In addition, as an experienced, family-owned and independent wholesale broker and coverholder, Johnson & Johnson will provide Motion Specialty with guidance and support, including handling licensing, regulation and operational support.

The US HVH and flood insurance products are experiencing growing demand due to increasing wealth and property values and the rising frequency and severity of natural disasters, respectively. Both products remain underserviced and present significant opportunities for Motion Specialty to underwrite, using proprietary rating algorithms and advanced data analytics.

The need for flood and HVH insurance also continues to expand rapidly with demand extending beyond traditional excess & surplus states like California and Florida. Motion Specialty has nationwide appetite in addition to underwriting in key catastrophe prone states.

“Building a new business with Johnson and Johnson and Inigo is hugely exciting. We have known the leadership at both companies for many years and share a vision for building something great for clients,” commented Kickham.

“We are excited to have achieved the Lloyd’s stamp of approval in this early stage of our business, it gives us instant credibility and access to world-class capacity,” he added. “It means brokers and clients can trust that our products are backed by one of the most respected insurance markets in the world, but beyond that, it’s about discipline—being a Lloyd’s coverholder forces us to hold ourselves to the highest underwriting and service standards.”

“What makes Motion Speciality different is the combination of carrier-level underwriting capability and a sophisticated digital distribution platform. You need deep expertise to navigate the areas we are focusing on, in flood the regulatory landscape is always shifting, and high-value homeowners insurance is dealing with increased climate risks paired with outdated risk models,” Alpay said.

“We’re using data-driven underwriting to provide more accurate risk selection and pricing, and most importantly, we’re building a platform that’s nimble, broker-friendly, and focused on delivering results,” Alpay continued.

“Data and Analytics is a focus for us as we endeavour to equip our underwriters with the insights that help better understand both risk and exposure to loss. Motion Specialty combines the best of what the UK and US offers, supported by Johnson & Johnson and Lloyd’s of London, to offer solutions to our clients’ biggest concerns by finding coverage in high-risk areas,” said George Stratts, head of Partnerships at Inigo, said,

“The demand for high-value homeowners insurance and flood solutions is growing, but the options in the market haven’t really evolved to match. There’s frustration with slow processes, restrictive underwriting, and limited alternatives to government-backed flood programs,” according to Harry Johnson II, chief operating officer at Johnson & Johnson. “That’s exactly why we’re backing Motion Specialty—to offer a more tailored, responsive approach that meets the needs of both brokers and insureds through our network.”

Topics Excess Surplus New Markets Insurance Wholesale Lloyd's