Primary and Non-Contributory language is a increasingly standard GC requirement that trips up a lot of first-time bidders — not because it’s complicated, but because it’s easy to assume Additional Insured status alone covers it. It doesn’t.
What “Primary” Means
If a claim occurs and both your policy and the GC’s own policy could technically apply, “primary” language means your policy pays first, before the GC’s insurance is ever tapped.
What “Non-Contributory” Adds
“Non-contributory” goes a step further: even if the GC’s own policy is also applicable, it doesn’t have to contribute to the loss at all as long as your policy has the funds to cover it. Together, primary and non-contributory language makes your policy the GC’s full first line of defense, not just first-in-line.
Why GCs Specifically Ask for This
It protects the GC’s own claims history and premium — every claim that touches their policy, even partially, can affect their future rates. Primary and non-contributory language keeps a claim that originated from your work off their record entirely, provided your coverage is sufficient.
The Common Mistake
Having Additional Insured status without primary and non-contributory language is a frequent gap — the two are often requested together on modern GC contracts, but they’re separate pieces of endorsement language, and a certificate with one but not the other is incomplete for many GC requirements.
Want to confirm your certificate includes primary and non-contributory language before it’s requested? Contact us.