In the primary/excess arrangement, what role does the primary policy play?

In a primary/excess insurance arrangement, the primary policy plays a crucial role by paying first in the event of a claim. This means that when a loss occurs, the primary insurer is responsible for covering the initial portion of the claim up to its policy limits.

The primary coverage serves as the first line of defense, providing immediate financial protection and ensuring that pending claims are promptly addressed. Once the limits of the primary policy are exhausted, any remaining losses may then be compensated by the excess policy. This structure is designed to provide layered coverage, where the primary insurer tackles the primary risk exposure while the excess policy adds an additional layer of coverage for larger claims that exceed the primary policy limits.

Understanding this arrangement is vital for recognizing how different types of insurance work together to manage risk effectively.