Motion Specialty has been approved as a Lloyd’s of London coverholder, wherein it will write on behalf of Lloyd’s Syndicate 1301, managed by Inigo Ltd.
The business was founded by Dan Alpay and Alex Kickham (pictured above, left) with support from Johnson & Johnson, an independent wholesale broker based in Charleston, South Carolina.
The company will focus initially on high value homes (HVH) and standalone flood insurance, targeting the wholesale-to-wholesale distribution channel. Its underwriting approach combines data analytics, technology, and broker partnerships to offer coverage for properties in areas with higher exposure to risk.
Alpay and Kickham bring more than 25 years of experience in HVH, flood underwriting, and broader property catastrophe risks. Motion Specialty will draw on Inigo’s underwriting and modeling capabilities, while Johnson & Johnson will support regulatory, licensing, and operational needs.
Rising property values and increased weather-related events have contributed to growing demand for HVH and flood insurance across the US. These markets, according to the company, remain underserved, particularly outside of traditional E&S states like California and Florida. Motion Specialty aims to address this with proprietary rating models and a national underwriting appetite.
Kickham said the firm’s approval as a Lloyd’s coverholder offers early credibility and access to capacity, and that operating under Lloyd’s standards sets a clear framework for underwriting discipline. Alpay added that Motion Specialty combines underwriting expertise with a digital platform, positioning it to navigate regulatory complexities and evolving risk conditions.
Inigo’s head of partnerships, George Stratts (pictured above, right), said the partnership aligns with the company’s focus on data-driven underwriting.
Meanwhile, Harry Johnson II, chief operating officer at Johnson & Johnson, said existing market options for HVH and flood insurance often lag behind demand, citing slow processes and limited alternatives to government programs. He said Motion Specialty is intended to offer a more flexible approach for brokers and clients.
