Form 497VPI GUARDIAN INSURANCE &

August 10, 2026 1:40 PM EDT
Initial Summary Prospectus for New Investors
Guardian MarketPerform®
This Summary Prospectus summarizes key features of the Guardian MarketPerform® (the “Contract”), an individual single premium deferred registered index-linked annuity contract issued by The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc. (the “Company,” “GIAC,” “we,” or “us”). Before you invest, you should also review the Prospectus for the Contract, which contains more information about the Contract’s features, benefits, and risks. You can find this document and other information about the Contract online at www.GuardianLife.com. You can also obtain this information at no cost by calling 1-888-GUARDIAN (1-888-482-7342) or by sending an email request to [email protected].
You may cancel your Contract within 10 days of receiving it without paying fees or penalties, although we will apply the Interim Value adjustment. In some states or in certain circumstances, this cancellation period may be longer. Upon cancellation, you will receive the greater of your premium paid or your Contract Value. You should review the Prospectus, or consult with your financial professional, for additional information about the specific cancellation terms that apply to you.
Investment in the Contract involves investment risks, including the loss of principal and previously credited earnings. If you invest in an Index Protection and Crediting Strategy (“IPCS”) with the lowest level of protection currently offered (the -10% Buffer), you could experience losses up to 90% at the end of the Strategy Term. Your losses may be greater over the entire time you own the Contract. We always intend to offer the 1-Year / -10% Buffer / S&P 500 Index / Cap with Par IPCS option, subject to our right to substitute the Index with one that is substantially similar, which means we will always offer a strategy with a -10% Buffer.
Any positive return on an investment in an IPCS at the end of the Strategy Term will be limited to the Crediting Strategy. If you invest in an IPCS with the Cap Rate with Participation Rate (“Cap with Par”) Crediting Strategy, we guarantee that the Participation Rate will never be less than 100%, and the Cap Rate will never be less than 1.50% for any IPCS with a 1 year Strategy Term, 5.00% for any IPCS with a 3 year Strategy Term, and 10.00% for any IPCS with a 6 year Strategy Term. If you invest in an IPCS with the Cap Rate with Participation Rate and Spread (“Cap with Par & Spread”) Crediting Strategy, we guarantee that (i) the Participation Rate will never be less than 100%, (ii) the Cap Rate will never be less than 1.50% for any IPCS with a 1 year Strategy Term, 5.00% for any IPCS with a 3 year Strategy Term, and 10.00% for any IPCS with a 6 year Strategy Term, and (iii) the Spread will never be greater than 1.00% for any IPCS with a 1 year Strategy Term, 3.00% for any IPCS with a 3 year Strategy Term, and 6.00% for any IPCS with a 6 year Strategy Term. If you invest in an IPCS with the Trigger Rate Crediting Strategy, we guarantee that the Step-Up Trigger Rate will never be less than 1.00% for any IPCS with a 1 year Strategy Term.
The Contract is not a short-term investment and is not appropriate for an investor who needs ready access to cash. Withdrawals will result in surrender charges during the first six years you own the Contract, and may be subject to a negative Interim Value adjustment, taxes and tax penalties (including a 10% tax penalty before age 59 1/2). A negative Interim Value adjustment could result in losses as high as 100%.
The maximum loss could occur in extreme circumstances due to a negative Interim Value adjustment.
Index-linked annuity contracts are complex insurance and investment vehicles. You should speak with a financial professional about the Contract’s features, benefits, risks, and fees, and whether the Contract is appropriate for you based on your financial situation and objectives. Additional information about certain investment products, including index-linked annuity contracts, has been prepared by the Securities and Exchange Commission’s staff and is available at Investor.gov.
Neither the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this Summary Prospectus is accurate or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense. The Contracts are not bank deposits, and are not insured or guaranteed by the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation or any other government agency. The Contracts are not obligations of or guaranteed by any banking or financial institution. All obligations and guarantees under the Contract are subject to the financial strength and claims-paying ability of the Company.
Summary Prospectus Date: August 10, 2026
GLOSSARY
Annuitant(s): The person named in the Contract or named as the Annuitant in any later change shown in our records, on whose life annuity payments are based in the payout phase of the Contract.
Annuity Commencement Date: The date on which Annuity Payments under the contract begin.
Buffer / Buffer Rate: A Buffer is a Protection Strategy that absorbs negative Index Performance by protecting against losses up to the Buffer Rate on the Term End Date. The Buffer Rate is the maximum negative Index Performance we will protect you from at the end of the Strategy Term. If the Index Performance on the Term End Date is negative, you will only incur a loss if the Index Performance has declined more than the Buffer Rate. The Buffer will only be applied on the Term End Date, and the Buffer Rate is not an annual rate.
Business Day: Any day on which the New York Stock Exchange (“NYSE”) is open for business. The Business Day ends when the NYSE closes for the day (typically 4:00 p.m., Eastern Time). If any transaction or event is scheduled to occur on a day that is not a Business Day, or if a transaction request is received after close of business, such transaction or event will be processed on the next following Business Day unless otherwise specified.
Cap Rate: The Cap Rate is the maximum IPCS Credit Rate that may apply to calculate the Maturity Value if the Index Performance is zero or positive. We may declare a new Cap Rate for each new Strategy Term, subject to the stated minimum guaranteed rate for that IPCS option. If we do not declare a Cap Rate for a particular Strategy Term, there is no maximum IPCS Credit Rate for that Strategy Term, and if the Index Performance on the Term End Date is zero or positive, the IPCS Credit Rate will, at a minimum, equal the Index Performance. The Cap Rate is not an annual rate.
Cap Rate with Participation Rate (“Cap with Par”): Cap with Par is a Crediting Strategy composed of a Cap Rate and a Participation Rate. The Cap Rate is the maximum credit that may apply to your investment on the Term End Date. The Participation Rate is the percentage of Index Performance your investment may be credited with on the Term End Date (subject to the Cap Rate, if applicable). If the Index Performance on the Term End Date is zero or positive, the IPCS Credit Rate will be the lesser of: (i) the declared Cap Rate; and (ii) the Index Performance multiplied by the Participation Rate. If we do not declare a Cap Rate for the Strategy Term, there is no maximum credit, and if the Index Performance on the Term End Date is zero or positive, the IPCS Credit Rate will be the Index Performance multiplied by the Participation Rate. The Cap with Par will only be applied on the Term End Date, and the Cap Rate and Participation Rate are not annual rates. We may declare a new Cap Rate and Participation Rate for each new Strategy Term, subject to the stated minimum guaranteed rates for that IPCS option for the life of the contract.
Cap Rate with Participation Rate and Spread (“Cap with Par & Spread”): Cap with Par & Spread is a Crediting Strategy composed of a Cap Rate, a Participation Rate and a Spread. The Cap Rate is the maximum credit that may apply to your investment on the Term End Date. The Participation Rate is the percentage of Index Performance (minus the Spread) your investment may be credited with on the Term End Date (subject to the Cap Rate, if applicable). The Spread is the minimum Index Performance in order for interest to be credited to the IPCS on the Term End Date. The Spread is deducted from the Index Performance before the Participation Rate is applied to calculate the IPCS Credit Rate. Under no circumstances will the Spread reduce the Index Performance below zero. If the Index Performance is lower than or equal to the Cap Rate on the Term End Date, the Spread will be subtracted from the Index Performance to calculate the IPCS Credit Rate. If the Index Performance is higher than the Cap Rate on the Term End Date, the Spread will be subtracted from the Cap Rate to calculate the IPCS Credit Rate. If we do not declare a Cap Rate for the Strategy Term and the Index Performance is positive or zero, the IPCS Credit Rate will be the greater of: (i) the Index Performance minus the Spread multiplied by the Participation Rate; and (ii) 0. The Cap with Par and Spread will only be applied on the Term End Date, and the Cap Rate, Participation Rate and Spread are not annual rates. We may declare a new Cap Rate and Participation Rate for each new Strategy Term, subject to the stated minimum guaranteed rates for that IPCS option for the life of the contract. The Spread will not change from Strategy Term to Strategy Term.
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Contract Anniversary: The date that occurs on the same day and month as the Contract Date for each Contract Year. The first Contract Anniversary is one year after the Contract Date on the same day and month of the following Contract Year.
Contract Date: The date the Contract is issued. It is the date from which Contract Years and Contract Anniversaries are measured.
Contract Value: The sum of the Index Strategy Values for all IPCS options a Contract is invested in and the Fixed Rate Strategy Value on any given day during the accumulation phase of the Contract
Contract Year: The one year period starting from the Contract Date in one calendar year and ending on the date preceding the Contract Anniversary in the following calendar year, and every year thereafter.
Crediting Strategy: The component of an IPCS that determines the IPCS Credit Rate that will be used to calculate the Maturity Value on the Term End Date if the Index Performance from the Term Start Date to the Term End Date is zero or positive, or, in the case of a dual direction Crediting Strategy, is zero, positive or negative within or equal to the Buffer Rate.
Customer Service Office: The office to which notices and transaction requests must be sent.
The Guardian Insurance & Annuity Company, Inc.
Individual Markets, Annuities
P.O. Box 981592
El Paso, TX 79998-1592
Dual Direction Trigger Rate: The Dual Direction Trigger Rate is the IPCS Credit Rate that will apply on the Term End Date for any IPCS with a Dual Direction Trigger Rate Crediting Strategy if the Index Performance is zero, positive or negative within or equal to the Buffer Rate. We will declare a new Dual Direction Trigger Rate for each new Strategy Term, subject to the stated minimum guaranteed rate for that IPCS option for the life of the contract. The Dual Direction Trigger Rate is not an annual rate.
Fixed Rate Strategy (“FRS”): A fixed rate investment option available under the Contract. Amounts held in the FRS earn interest at a rate that is guaranteed for one Contract Year (subject to the minimum guaranteed rate for the life of the contract).
Fixed Rate Strategy Value: The amount of Contract Value allocated to the FRS. The Fixed Rate Strategy Value is increased by the daily interest credit and decreased by any withdrawals (including any applicable surrender charges).
Good Order: Notice from any party authorized to initiate a transaction under the Contract is considered to be in Good Order if it is received at the Customer Service Office in a format satisfactory to us that includes all information we require to process a required transaction. A request or transaction may be rejected or delayed if it is not in Good Order. We may determine whether a particular request or transaction is in Good Order in our sole discretion, and we reserve the right to change or waive any Good Order requirement at any time.
Index/Indices: The reference market index or exchange-traded fund (ETF) to which an IPCS option is linked.
Index Performance: The percentage change in the Index Value over the Strategy Term, measured from the Term Start Date to the Term End Date. Index Performance can be positive, negative, or zero.
Index Protection and Crediting Strategies (“IPCS”): The unique index-linked investment options that are available under the Contract. You may elect as many IPCS options as you wish, provided each allocation is at least 1% of the amount reallocated. All allocations must be in whole percentages. Each IPCS is composed of a Strategy Term, Index, Protection Strategy and Crediting Strategy, and may also include the Performance Lock
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feature. The Protection Strategy provides a level of protection from loss on the Term End Date if the Index Performance from the Term Start Date to the Term End Date is negative. The Crediting Strategy determines the credit on the Term End Date if the Index Performance from the Term Start Date to the Term End Date is zero or positive, or, in the case of a dual direction Crediting Strategy, is zero, positive or negative within or equal to the Buffer Rate.
Index Strategy Value: Each IPCS option has its own Index Strategy Value. On the Term Start Date, your Index Strategy Value equals your allocation to the IPCS. On the Term End Date, your Index Strategy Value is the Maturity Value, which reflects the Index Performance, the effect of any withdrawals taken and charges deducted from the IPCS over the Strategy Term, and the application of the Crediting Strategy or Protection Strategy, as applicable. On any other day during each Strategy Term, your Index Strategy Value is the Interim Value, which is based on the value of a hypothetical portfolio of financial instruments designed to replicate the Maturity Value on the Term End Date. If you exercise the Performance Lock feature (if available), your Index Strategy Value is the locked-in Interim Value less subsequent withdrawals (including any applicable surrender charges).
Index Value: The value of the Index that is published by the Index provider at the close of each day when the Index Value is calculated. On any day that is not a Business Day, it is the closing value as of the prior Business Day.
Interim Value: The Index Strategy Value on any day during the Strategy Term other than the Term Start Date or Term End Date. The Interim Value is the amount that is available for annuitization, payment of the Standard Death Benefit, exercise of the Performance Lock feature (if available) or your right to return the Contract (unless the return of premium is greater), withdrawals and surrenders (including the deduction of applicable surrender charges and/or premium taxes) from an IPCS. We calculate the Interim Value based on the value of a hypothetical portfolio of financial instruments designed to replicate the Maturity Value on the Term End Date. The Interim Value calculation could result in a loss that is greater than the level of protection the Protection Strategy would provide on the Term End Date, or a gain that is lower than the return the Crediting Strategy would provide on the Term End Date. The Interim Value could be less than your investment in the IPCS even if the Index is performing positively.
Investment Strategy: An investment option available under the Contract, which includes the Fixed Rate Strategy and the Index Protection and Crediting Strategies.
IPCS Credit Rate: The Index Performance after the Protection Strategy or Crediting Strategy is applied. The IPCS Credit Rate is used to calculate the Maturity Value on the Term End Date.
Maturity Value: The Index Strategy Value on the Term End Date, which reflects the Index Performance, the effect of any withdrawals taken and charges deducted from the IPCS over the Strategy Term, and the application of the Crediting Strategy or Protection Strategy, as applicable.
Owner (“you,” “your”): The natural person or entity named in the Contract who is entitled to exercise all rights and privileges of ownership under the Contract. Owner means both joint owners, if applicable.
Participation Rate: The Participation Rate is the percentage of Index Performance (minus the Spread, if applicable) your investment may be credited with on the Term End Date (subject to the Cap Rate, if applicable). We may declare a new Participation Rate for each new Strategy Term, subject to the stated minimum guaranteed rate for that IPCS option for the life of the contract. The Participation Rate is not an annual rate.
Performance Lock: The IPCS available to you may include a Performance Lock feature. If available, the Performance Lock feature allows you to lock in your Interim Value for the IPCS at any time prior to the Term End Date. The Performance Lock feature can only be exercised once during the Strategy Term. Locked-in value will not participate in future Index Performance (positive or negative) until the next Contract Anniversary. If the Performance Lock feature is exercised, the Protection Strategy and Crediting Strategy will not be applied to the
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locked-in IPCS at any time, including at the time you exercise the Performance Lock feature, on the next Contract Anniversary when the locked-in value will be reallocated, or on the Term End Date. The Performance Lock feature, when available, is available for the duration of the Strategy Term. The Performance Lock feature may not be available in the future on certain or any IPCS options.
Protection Strategy: The component of an IPCS that provides a level of protection from loss on the Term End Date if the Index Performance from the Term Start Date to the Term End Date is negative.
Spread: The Spread is the minimum Index Performance that will be credited to an IPCS with a Cap with Par & Spread Crediting Strategy on the Term End Date. The Spread will reduce the IPCS Credit Rate that will be applied. Under no circumstances will the Spread reduce the Index Performance below zero. The Spread will not change from Strategy Term to Strategy Term. The Spread is not an annual rate.
Step-Up Trigger Rate (formerly known as Trigger Rate): The Step-Up Trigger Rate is the IPCS Credit Rate that will apply on the Term End Date for any IPCS with a Step-Up Trigger Rate Crediting Strategy if the Index Performance is zero or positive. We may declare a new Step-Up Trigger Rate for each new Strategy Term, subject to the stated minimum guaranteed rate for that IPCS option for the life of the contract. The Step-Up Trigger Rate is not an annual rate.
Strategy Term: The component of an IPCS that is the specified period of time used to determine the Index Performance from the Term Start Date to the Term End Date.
Strategy Value Base: For each IPCS option, the base amount used to determine the Index Strategy Value. The Strategy Value Base is equal to the amount allocated to the IPCS on the Term Start Date, reduced thereafter on a pro-rata basis for withdrawals (including systematic withdrawals, RMDs, and any applicable surrender charges) taken prior to the Term End Date. This means that the Strategy Value Base will be reduced by the same percentage that the withdrawal reduces the Index Strategy Value for the IPCS. Such reduction may be more, even significantly more, than the dollar amount withdrawn.
Term End Date: The Contract Anniversary on the last day of the Strategy Term applicable to each IPCS. The Term End Date is when the Maturity Value is calculated and the Crediting Strategy or Protection Strategy is applied, depending on Index Performance. The Index Value on the Term End Date will be used to determine the Index Performance over the Strategy Term. If the Term End Date is not a Business Day, then the Index Value on the prior Business Day will be used.
Term Start Date: The first day of the Strategy Term applicable to each IPCS, which may be the Contract Date or a subsequent Contract Anniversary (as applicable). The Term Start Date is when a premium payment is allocated or Contract Value is reallocated to an IPCS. The Index Value on the Term Start Date will be used to determine the Index Performance over the Strategy Term. If the Term Start Date is not a Business Day, then the Index Value on the prior Business Day will be used.
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OVERVIEW OF THE CONTRACT
The Guardian MarketPerform® is an individual single premium deferred registered index-linked annuity contract issued by us that is designed to help you invest your money on a tax-deferred basis for retirement or other long-term financial purposes. The Contract may be appropriate if you have a long-term investment horizon and do not intend to take early or frequent withdrawals.
The Contract has two phases: the accumulation phase and the payout phase.
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During the accumulation phase, subject to certain restrictions, you may allocate your Contract Value among the available Investment Strategies, which include a fixed interest option (the “Fixed Rate Strategy” or “FRS”) and one or more investment options whose returns are generally linked to an Index (the “Index Protection and Crediting Strategies” or “IPCS”). If you die before the payout phase, the Contract also provides a death benefit to your designated Beneficiaries at no additional charge. See Appendix A for additional information about each of the investment options.
Each IPCS provides a return based, in part, on the performance, positive, negative or zero, of a reference Index for a specified period of time (a “Strategy Term”). Any positive or negative interest will be credited at the end of the Strategy Term. You could lose a significant amount of money if the Index declines in value. Negative returns are subject to a certain level of downside protection called a “Protection Strategy” that will limit loss on the Term End Date. Positive returns are credited based on a “Crediting Strategy” that may limit or enhance your returns on the Term End Date. An IPCS may also include a Performance Lock feature that allows you to lock in the value of the IPCS before the end of the Strategy Term.
Protection Strategy: Buffer. The Buffer Protection Strategy absorbs negative Index Performance by protecting against losses up to the Buffer Rate on the Term End Date. The Buffer Rate is the maximum loss we will protect you from at the end of the Strategy Term. If the Index Performance on the Term End Date is negative, you will be subject to any loss that exceeds the Buffer Rate. For example, if the Index return is -25% and the Buffer Rate is -10%, we will credit -15% (the amount that exceeds the Buffer Rate) at the end of the Strategy Term, meaning the amount you invested in the IPCS will decrease by 15%. We always intend to offer the 1-Year / -10% Buffer / S&P 500 Index / Cap with Par IPCS option, subject to our right to substitute the Index with one that is substantially similar, which means we will always offer a strategy with a -10% Buffer.
Crediting Strategies:
Cap Rate with Participation Rate (“Cap with Par”). The Cap with Par Crediting Strategy credits positive Index Performance based on the Cap Rate and the Participation Rate. The Cap Rate is the maximum credit that may be applied on the Term End Date, the amount of positive credit applied at the end of the Strategy Term will be limited by the declared Cap Rate. The Participation Rate is the percentage of Index Performance your investment may be credited with on the Term End Date (subject to the Cap Rate, if applicable). If the Index Performance on the Term End Date is zero or positive, the amount credited will be the lesser of (i) the declared Cap Rate; and (ii) the Index Performance multiplied by the Participation Rate. For example, if the Index return is 25%, the Cap Rate is 20%, and the Participation Rate is 100%, we will credit 20% in interest at the end of the Strategy Term, meaning the amount you invested in the IPCS will increase by 20%. If we do not declare a Cap Rate for a particular Strategy Term, there is no maximum credit, and if the Index Performance on the Term End Date is zero or positive, the amount credited will be the Index Performance multiplied by the Participation Rate. For example, if the Index return is 25%, we do not declare a Cap Rate, and the Participation Rate is 125%, we will credit 31.25% in interest at the end of the Strategy Term, meaning the amount you invested in the IPCS will increase by 31.25%. We guarantee that the Participation Rate will never be less than 100%, and the Cap Rate will never be less than 1.50% for any IPCS with a 1 year Strategy Term, 5.00% for any IPCS with a 3 year Strategy Term, and 10.00% for any IPCS with a 6 year Strategy Term.
There is no guarantee that we will declare a Participation Rate over 100% with no Cap Rate during the time you own the Contract. It is possible that an IPCS with a Cap with Par Crediting Strategy will always be subject to a Cap Rate.
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Cap Rate with Participation Rate and Spread (“Cap with Par & Spread”). The Cap with Par & Spread Crediting Strategy credits positive Index Performance based on the Cap Rate, the Participation Rate and Spread. The Cap Rate minus the Spread is the maximum credit that may be applied on the Term End Date, the amount of positive credit applied at the end of the Strategy Term will be limited by the declared Cap Rate minus the Spread. The Participation Rate is the percentage of Index Performance your investment may be credited with on the Term End Date (subject to the Cap Rate, if applicable, and the Spread). The Spread is the percentage used to reduce the value of positive Index Returns used in the calculation of IPCS Credit Rate. If the Index Performance on the Term End Date is zero or positive, the amount credited will be the lesser of (i) the declared Cap Rate minus the Spread; and (ii) the Index Performance minus the Spread multiplied by the Participation Rate. For example, if the Index return is 25%, the Cap Rate is 20%, the Spread is 1% and the Participation Rate is 100%, we will credit 19% in interest at the end of the Strategy Term, meaning the amount you invested in the IPCS will increase by 19%. We guarantee that (i) the Participation Rate will never be less than 100%; (ii) the Cap Rate will never be less than 1.50% for any IPCS with a 1 year Strategy Term, 5.00% for any IPCS with a 3 year Strategy Term, and 10.00% for any IPCS with a 6 year Strategy Term; and (iii) the Spread will never be greater than 1.00% for any IPCS with a 1 year Strategy Term, 3.00% for any IPCS with a 3 year Strategy Term, and 6.00% for any IPCS with a 6 year Strategy Term.
We may not declare a Cap Rate for a particular Cap with Par and Spread Strategy Term, in which case there is no maximum credit, and if the Index Performance on the Term End Date is zero or positive, the amount credited will be the Index Performance minus the Spread multiplied by the Participation Rate. For example, if the Index return is 25%, we do not declare a Cap Rate, and the Participation Rate is 125%, we will credit 30% in interest at the end of the Strategy Term, meaning the amount you invested in the IPCS will increase by 31.25%. For any Strategy Term for which we do declare a Cap Rate, the Participation Rate will always equal 100% (this means it will never be greater than the minimum guaranteed rate of 100%).
Dual Direction Trigger Rate. The Dual Direction Trigger Rate Crediting Strategy credits a predefined IPCS Credit Rate (called the “Dual Direction Trigger Rate”) if the Index Performance is zero, positive, or negative within or equal to the Buffer Rate. Under this Crediting Strategy, the IPCS Credit Rate will be the declared Dual Direction Trigger Rate if the Index Performance for that Strategy is zero, positive or negative within or equal to the Buffer Rate. The Dual Direction Trigger Rate may be less than, equal to or higher than the actual Index Performance. For example, if the Index return is 25% and the Dual Direction Trigger Rate is 12%, we will credit 12% in interest at the end of the Strategy Term, meaning the amount you invested in the IPCS will increase by 12%. We guarantee that the Dual Direction Trigger Rate will never be less than 0.75% for any IPCS with a 1 year Strategy Term. Dual Direction Trigger Rates for renewals may differ from those that may apply to newly issued contracts.
Step-Up Trigger Rate. The Step-up Trigger Rate Crediting Strategy credits a predefined IPCS Credit Rate (called the “Step-Up Trigger Rate”) if the Index Performance is zero or positive. Under this Crediting Strategy, the IPCS Credit Rate will be the declared Step-Up Trigger Rate if the Index Performance for that Strategy is zero or positive. The Step-Up Trigger Rate may be less than, equal to or higher than the actual Index Performance. For example, if the Index return is 25% and the Step-Up Trigger Rate is 12%, we will credit 12% in interest at the end of the Strategy Term, meaning the amount you invested in the IPCS will increase by 12%. We guarantee that the Step-Up Trigger Rate will never be less than 1.00% for any IPCS with a 1 year Strategy Term.
See Appendix B of the Prospectus  for state variations that may apply.
The value of an IPCS before the end of a Strategy Term (the “Interim Value”) is based on the value of hypothetical investments designed to replicate the value of the IPCS if you held it to maturity, and such value could be less than your investment in the IPCS even if the Index is performing positively. Certain transactions, when they occur before the Term End Date of an IPCS, are based on the Interim Value,
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such as (i) taking a withdrawal or surrendering your Contract, including the deduction of applicable surrender charges and/or premium taxes, (ii) exercising the Performance Lock feature (if available), (iii) annuitization, (iv) the payment of the Standard Death Benefit, and (v) exercising your right to return the Contract (unless the return of premium is greater). You could lose a significant amount of money due to a negative Interim Value adjustment prior to the end of the Strategy Term.
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During the payout phase, you may receive a stream of income payments by applying your Contract Value to one of the available annuity payout options. When you annuitize your Contract, you will no longer be able to make withdrawals from the Contract and all of the Contract’s other benefits, including the death benefit, will terminate.
Key Features
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Withdrawal Options. During the accumulation phase, you may request a partial withdrawal or full surrender at any time. Withdrawals could result in surrender charges during the first six years you own the Contract, and may be subject to a negative Interim Value adjustment, taxes and tax penalties (including a 10% tax penalty before age 59 1∕2).
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Death Benefit. If you die before the payout phase, the Contract provides a death benefit to your designated Beneficiaries at no additional charge. The death benefit is calculated as of the Business Day on which we have received due proof of death and any other required documentation in Good Order. In general:
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If you are 76 years old or older on the date you signed your application, your death benefit will be the Standard Death Benefit, which generally equals the Contract Value less any premium taxes.
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If you are younger than 76 years old on the date you signed your application, your death benefit is the greater of (i) the Standard Death Benefit described above or (ii) the Return of Premium Death Benefit, which equals the premium payment, subject to withdrawal adjustments (including any applicable surrender charges), which may be more, even significantly more, than the dollar amount withdrawn.
For more information, see “Benefits Available Under the Contract – Death Benefit.”
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Performance Lock. If available, Performance Lock allows you to lock in your Interim Value (less any withdrawals and applicable charges) on any day during the Strategy Term except the Term Start Date or the Term End Date. The locked in value can then be reallocated among the available Investment Strategies on the next Contract Anniversary. You may exercise the Performance Lock feature manually or have it triggered automatically if your Index Strategy Value has increased since the Term Start Date by a target percentage you provide to us by submitting instructions to our Customer Service Office at any time before the Term End Date. There is no additional charge for exercising the Performance Lock feature. By exercising the Performance Lock you could lose a significant amount of money by removing money from an IPCS or the Contract before the end of the Strategy Term.
For more information, see “Benefits Available Under the Contract – Performance Lock.”
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IMPORTANT INFORMATION YOU SHOULD CONSIDER ABOUT THE CONTRACT 
FEES, EXPENSES, AND ADJUSTMENTS
LOCATION
IN THE
PROSPECTUS
Are There
Charges or
Adjustments
for Early
Withdrawals?
Yes.
If you withdraw money from your Contract within 6 years following Contract
issuance, you may be assessed a surrender charge of up to 8% of the amount
withdrawn in excess of the free withdrawal amount. The free withdrawal
amount is the greater of (i) 10% of your Contract Value as of the most recent
Contract Anniversary (or, in the first Contract Year, 10% of your premium
payment) or (ii) your RMD under our automatic RMD program.
For example, if you take an early withdrawal, you could pay a surrender charge
of up to $7,200 on a $100,000 investment, assuming your Contract Value is
$100,000 at the time of the withdrawal. This loss will be greater if there is a
negative Interim Value adjustment, taxes, or tax penalties.
If all or a portion of your Contract Value is removed from an IPCS prior to the
end of the Strategy Term, it will be subject to an adjustment due to the Interim
Value, which may be negative. A negative Interim Value adjustment could
result in losses as high as 100%. The maximum loss could occur in extreme
circumstances due to a negative Interim Value adjustment.. For example, if you
allocate $100,000 to an IPCS with a 3 year Strategy Term and later withdraw
the entire amount before the 3 years have ended, you could lose up to $100,000
of your investment. This loss will be greater if you also have to pay a surrender
charge, taxes, and tax penalties. Transactions that are subject to an Interim
Value adjustment include (i) taking a withdrawal or surrendering your Contract,
including the deduction of applicable surrender charges and/or premium taxes,
(ii) exercising the Performance Lock feature (if available), (iii) annuitization,
(iv) the payment of the Standard Death Benefit, and (v) exercising your right to
return the Contract (unless the return of premium is greater).
Fee Tables
Charges and
Adjustments
Are There
Transaction
Charges?
No.
Other than surrender charges and any negative Interim Value adjustments, there
are no charges for other Contract transactions.
 
Are There
Ongoing Fees
and
Expenses?
Yes.
Although we do not charge you a direct fee to invest in the IPCS options,
there is an implicit ongoing fee associated with the IPCS because the
amount you can earn on an IPCS will be limited to the extent the Index
return exceeds (i) the Cap Rate (if any) under the Cap with Par Crediting
Strategy or the Cap with Par & Spread Crediting Strategy, or (ii) the Dual
Direction Trigger Rate or the Step-Up Trigger Rate under the Dual
Direction Trigger Rate Crediting Strategy or the Step-Up Trigger Rate
Crediting Strategy, respectfully. Your returns will also be reduced by the
Spread under the Cap with Par & Spread Crediting Strategy. The
application of the Crediting Strategy may cause your returns under the
IPCS to be lower than the Index’s returns. In return for accepting this
limit on Index gains, you receive some protection from Index losses
through the Protection Strategy. Your returns could be limited if the
Participation Rate is below 100%.
Investment
Strategies –
Crediting
Strategies.
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RISKS
 
Is There a
Risk of Loss
from Poor
Performance?
Yes.
You can lose money by investing in the Contract, including the loss of
principal and previously credited earnings. If you invest in an IPCS with the
lowest level of protection currently offered (the -10% Buffer), you could
experience losses up to 90% at the end of the Strategy Term. We always
intend to offer the 1-Year / -10% Buffer / S&P 500 Index / Cap with Par
IPCS option, subject to our right to substitute the Index with one that is
substantially similar, which means we will always offer a strategy with a
-10% Buffer.
Risk Factors
Is this a
Short-Term
Investment?
No.
This Contract is not a short-term investment and is not appropriate for an
investor who needs ready access to cash. Withdrawals could result in surrender
charges during the first six years you own the Contract, and may be subject to
taxes and tax penalties (including a 10% tax penalty before age 59 1∕2).
In addition, amounts removed from an IPCS prior to the end of the Strategy
Term may be subject to a negative Interim Value adjustment, which could result
in a loss that is greater than the level of protection the Protection Strategy
would provide on the Term End Date, or a gain that is lower than the return the
Crediting Strategy would provide on the Term End Date. The calculation of the
Interim Value in connection with a withdrawal could result in the loss of
principal and previously credited earnings, even if the Index is performing
positively, and such losses could be substantial.
Contract Value that is allocated to an IPCS may only be reallocated on the
Term End Date (which is also a Contract Anniversary) unless you exercise the
Performance Lock feature (if available). Contract Value that is allocated to the
FRS and any locked-in Index Strategy Value pursuant to the exercise of the
Performance Lock feature may be reallocated on the next Contract Anniversary.
If we do not receive your reallocation instructions at our Customer Service
Office by the close of business on the date the reallocation will be effected,
your Contract Value will be automatically reinvested in the same Investment
Strategies, if available (i.e., the Fixed Rate Strategy Value will be reinvested in
the FRS, the Index Strategy Value will be reinvested in the same IPCS), subject
to the new crediting rates. If the same IPCS is not available, the amount will be
automatically reallocated to an IPCS with the same Strategy Term, Index,
Protection Strategy, and Crediting Strategy, if available (i.e., only the
availability of the Performance Lock feature is different). If such an IPCS is
not available, the amount will be automatically reallocated to the 1-Year
Strategy Term / -10% Buffer / S&P 500 Index / Cap with Par / with or without
Performance Lock (depending on availability). Any reallocation absent your
instruction may not be satisfactory to you.
Risk Factors
Charges and
Adjustments
Reallocations
and
Withdrawals.
What Are the
Risks
Associated
with the
Investment
Options?
An investment in the Contract is subject to the risk of poor investment
performance and can vary based on the performance of the Investment
Strategies available under the Contract. Each Investment Strategy (including
the FRS) has its own unique risks. You should review each of the available
Investment Strategies before making an investment decision.
The Crediting Strategy of an IPCS will limit positive Index returns on the Term
End Date. The application of the Crediting Strategy may cause your
returns under the IPCS to be lower than the Index’s returns.
Under the Cap with Par Crediting Strategy, your return will be limited to the
extent the Index return exceeds the Cap Rate (if any). For example, if the Index
return is 25%, the Cap Rate is 20%, and the Participation Rate is 100%, we
Risk Factors
Investment
Strategies
9
RISKS
 
 
will credit 20% in interest at the end of the Strategy Term, meaning the amount
you invested in the IPCS will increase by 20%. If we do not declare a Cap
Rate for a particular Strategy Term, your return will not be limited. For
example, if the Index return is 25%, we do not declare a Cap Rate, and the
Participation Rate is 125%, we will credit 31.25% in interest at the end of the
Strategy Term, meaning the amount you invested in the IPCS will increase by
31.25%.
Under the Cap with Par & Spread Crediting Strategy, your return will be
reduced by the Spread and will be limited to the extent the Index return
exceeds the Cap Rate (if any). For example, if the Index return is 25%, the Cap
Rate is 20%, the Participation Rate is 100%, and the Spread is 1%, we will
credit 19% in interest at the end of the Strategy Term. If we do not declare a
Cap Rate for a particular Strategy Term, your return will not be limited, but
will still be reduced by the Spread. For example, if the Index return is 25%, we
do not declare a Cap Rate, the Participation Rate is 125%, and the Spread is
1%, we will credit 30% in interest at the end of the Strategy Term.
Under the Dual Direction Trigger Rate Crediting Strategy, your return will be
limited to the extent the Index return exceeds the Dual Direction Trigger Rate.
For example, if the Index return is 25% and the Dual Direction Trigger Rate is
10%, we will credit 10% in interest at the end of the Strategy Term.
Under the Step-Up Trigger Rate Crediting Strategy, your return will be limited
to the extent the Index return exceeds the Step-Up Trigger Rate. For example,
if the Index return is 25% and the Step-Up Trigger Rate is 12%, we will credit
12% in interest at the end of the Strategy Term.
The Protection Strategy of an IPCS will limit negative Index returns on the
Term End Date. Under the Buffer Protection Strategy, if the Index Performance
on the Term End Date is negative, you will be subject to any loss that exceeds
the Buffer Rate. For example, if the Index return is -25% and the Buffer Rate is
-10%, we will credit -15% (the amount that exceeds the Buffer Rate) at the end
of the Strategy Term, meaning the amount you invested in the IPCS will
decrease by 15%.
The Indices, except the SG Smart Climate Index, are “price return” indices, not
“total return” indices, and therefore they do not include income from dividends
or other distributions paid by their component companies. Similarly, the
iShares® Russell 2000 ETF does not include income from dividends or other
distributions paid by the ETF’s component companies or any dividends or
distributions paid by the ETF. If dividends and other distributions were
included, the Index returns would be higher. The SG Smart Climate Index
Value reflects a negative performance adjustment, in the form of a “synthetic
dividend,” intended to replicate the impact that an annual dividend would have
on the Index return. If this “synthetic dividend” was not applied, the Index
return would be higher. As a result of these calculations, the Indices will
underperform a direct investment in the securities that compose them.
 
What Are the
Risks Related
to the
Insurance
Company?
An investment in the Contract is subject to the risks related to GIAC. Any
obligations (including under the FRS and IPCS), guarantees, and benefits of the
Contract are subject to our claims-paying ability. If we experience financial
distress, we may not be able to meet our obligations to you. More information
about GIAC, including our financial strength ratings, is available by contacting
us at 1-888-GUARDIAN (1-888-482-7342).
Risk Factors
Other
Information
About the
Contract – The
Guardian
Insurance &
Annuity
Company, Inc.
10
 
RESTRICTIONS
LOCATION
IN THE
PROSPECTUS
Are There
Restrictions
on the
Investment
Options?
Yes.
Contract Value that is allocated to an IPCS may only be reallocated on the
Term End Date (which is also a Contract Anniversary), unless you exercise the
Performance Lock feature (if available). Contract Value that is allocated to the
FRS and any locked-in Index Strategy Value pursuant to the exercise of the
Performance Lock feature may be reallocated on the next Contract Anniversary.
●Currently all IPCS options and Contract features are available through
financial professionals selling the Contract. Your financial professional
may not recommend certain IPCS options. You may obtain information
about the IPCS options that are available to you by contacting your
financial professional or our Customer Service Office.
●Certain IPCS or Contract features may not be available in your state. See
Appendix B for state variations that may apply.
●You may not allocate Contract Value to an IPCS if the Term End Date
would occur after the latest Annuity Commencement Date (i.e., the
Contract Anniversary immediately following the Annuitant’s 100th
birthday).
In addition, we reserve the right to:
●Add or remove IPCS options;
●Limit the availability of certain IPCS options to new Contract purchases;
●Not include a Performance Lock feature in the future on certain or any
IPCS options;
●Declare new Cap Rates, Participation Rates, Dual Direction Trigger Rates
and Step-Up Trigger Rates for each new Strategy Term, subject to the
stated minimum guaranteed rates for that IPCS option;
We may not declare a Cap Rate for a particular Cap with Par and Spread
Strategy Term. For any such Strategy Term which we do declare a Cap Rate,
the Participation Rate will always equal 100% (which means it will never be
greater than the minimum guaranteed rate of 100%).
●Stop offering or replace a reference Index (including during a Strategy
Term) if it is discontinued, if the Index is substantially changed, if the
Index Values become unavailable, if we no longer have a license
agreement with the publishers of the Index, or if hedging instruments
become difficult to acquire or the cost of hedging becomes excessive. If
we replace an Index, we will attempt to select a new Index that has a
similar investment objective and risk profile to the original Index. The
replacement Index we select may not be satisfactory to you; and
●Limit the number of IPCS options offered to one. We always intend to
offer the 1-Year / -10% Buffer / S&P 500 Index / Cap with Par IPCS
option, subject to our right to substitute the Index with one that is
substantially similar, which means we will always offer a strategy with a
-10% Buffer. If we exercise our right to offer only this IPCS option and
you are not satisfied, you may invest in the FRS or surrender the Contract,
but the surrender may incur surrender charges, may be subject to taxes
(including a 10% tax penalty before age 59 1∕2) and, with respect to
amounts surrendered from an IPCS that has not been locked in prior to the
Risk Factors
Investment
Strategies –
Index
Protection and
Crediting
Strategies
(“IPCS”)
Reallocations
and
Withdrawals
Appendix B
Distribution
Broker-Dealer
Contract
Variations
11
RESTRICTIONS
LOCATION
IN THE
PROSPECTUS
 
Term End Date, will be subject to an Interim Value adjustment.
The availability of IPCS may vary depending on the broker-dealer through
which the contract is sold.
 
Are there any
Restrictions
on Contract
Benefits?
Yes.
The Performance Lock feature may not be available in the future on certain or
any IPCS options. The automatic Performance Lock is not available with the
Dual Direction Trigger Rate Crediting Strategy or the Step-Up Trigger Rate
Crediting Strategy.
The Return of Premium Payment Death Benefit is subject to withdrawal
adjustments (including any applicable surrender charges), which may be more,
even significantly more, then the dollar amount withdrawn.
Although you may request a withdrawal at any time, withdrawals will always
be taken first from the FRS, then proportionally from locked-in IPCS options,
then proportionally from IPCS options that are at the Term End Date, and
finally proportionally from IPCS options that are not at the Term End Date.
You may not request a partial withdrawal to be withdrawn from a particular
Investment Strategy. This means that if you wish to withdraw money from a
specific IPCS without the Performance Lock feature before the Term End Date,
your only option will be to surrender the Contract, which may incur surrender
charges, may be subject to taxes (including a 10% additional tax before age
59 1∕2), and, with respect to amounts surrendered from an IPCS prior to the
Term End Date, will be subject to an Interim Value adjustment.
The availability of IPCS options may vary depending on the broker-dealer
through which the contract is sold.
Risk Factors
Benefits
Available
Under the
Contract
Reallocations
and
Withdrawals
Distribution
Broker-Dealer
Contract
Variations
TAXES
LOCATION
IN THE
PROSPECTUS
What Are the
Contract’s
Tax
Implications?
You should consult with a tax professional to determine the tax implications of
an investment in, withdrawals from, and payments received under the Contract.
There is no tax penalty benefit if you purchase the Contract through a
Traditional IRA or Roth IRA. Withdrawals are subject to ordinary income tax,
and you may be subject to a 10% tax penalty if you withdraw money before
age 59 1∕2.
Risk Factors
Tax
Considerations
CONFLICTS OF INTEREST
LOCATION
IN THE
PROSPECTUS
How Are
Investment
Professionals
Compensated?
Your financial professional may receive compensation for selling the Contract
to you in the form of commissions and non-cash compensation. This
compensation may influence your financial professional to recommend the
Contract over another investment.
Other
Information
About the
Contract –
Distribution
Should I
Exchange My
Contract?
Some financial professionals may have a financial incentive to offer you a new
contract in place of the one you own. You should only exchange your contract
if you determine, after comparing the features, fees and risks of both contracts,
and any fees or penalties to terminate the existing contract, that it is better for
you to purchase the new contract rather than continue to own your existing
contract.
Purchasing the
Contract –
Tax-Free
Section 1035
Exchanges
12
BENEFITS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT
The following table summarizes information about the standard benefits available under the Contract. The availability of standard benefits may vary depending on the broker-dealer through which the Contract is sold. 
Name of Benefit
Purpose
Maximum
Fee
Brief Description of
Restrictions/Limitations
Performance
Lock
Locks in the Interim Value of
an IPCS during the Strategy
Term. Locked in value may
be reallocated among the
available Investment
Strategies on the next
Contract Anniversary.
No Charge
●May not be available in the future on
certain or any IPCS options.
●May not be exercised on the Term
Start Date or the Term End Date.
●May only be exercised once during a
Strategy Term for each IPCS with
the Performance Lock feature, and
cannot be revoked once exercised.
●Locked-in Index Strategy Value will
no longer participate in any Index
Performance (positive or negative).
●No Crediting or Protection Strategy
will be applied to the locked-in IPCS
at any time.
●Locked-in Index Strategy Value will
remain in the locked-in IPCS and
may not be reallocated or reinvested
until the next Contract Anniversary.
●Locked-in Index Strategy Value is
calculated at the end of the Business
Day on which we receive your
request, and therefore may be higher
or lower than the Interim Value you
last obtained. You will not know the
Interim Value used to lock in your
Index Strategy Value in advance.
●Automatic trigger of Performance
Lock is not available for IPCS with a
Dual Direction Trigger Rate
Crediting Strategy or a Step-Up
Trigger Rate Crediting Strategy.
Standard Death
Benefit
Pays a death benefit to your
designated Beneficiaries
equal to the Contract Value,
subject to the FRS
Guaranteed Surrender Value.
No Charge
●Owner must be 76 or older on the
date the application is signed.
Return of
Premium Death
Benefit
Pays a death benefit to your
designated Beneficiaries
equal to the greater of (i) the
Standard Death Benefit
described above or (ii) the
premium payment, subject to
withdrawal adjustments.
No Charge
●Owner must be younger than 76
years old on the date the application
is signed.
●Withdrawals may reduce the benefit
by more, even significantly more,
than the dollar amount withdrawn.
13
BUYING THE CONTRACT
Premium Payment
You may purchase the Contract by completing an application and submitting a premium payment. The minimum premium payment is $25,000. We require prior approval for a premium payment of less than $25,000 or more than $1,000,000 (which includes the single premium payment under the Contract together with any premium payments under other contracts with the same Owner or Annuitant issued by us). The premium payment may be submitted by check, wire transfer or exchange forms or any other form acceptable to us. We will accept the premium payment from multiple sources. We will issue the contract with the premium payment received upon the earlier of the following: (1) the date of receipt of premium payment from all sources or (2) the date the application rate-lock expires with the premium payment received to date. Additional premium payments are not permitted under the Contract. See Appendix B of the Prospectus for state variations that may apply.
We are not responsible for lost investment opportunities while we complete our application review process. Any premium payment we receive before we issue the Contract will be held in our general account until we credit the premium payment to your Contract upon issuance, and it will not earn interest during this time. We do not accept any additional premiums after the Contract has been issued.
You may allocate your premium payment to one or more available IPCS options or the FRS. When we issue the Contract, your premium payment is allocated according to your instructions.
Application Rate Lock
We declare new crediting rates (including Cap Rates, Participation Rates, Dual Direction Trigger Rates, Step-Up Trigger Rates and the FRS interest rate) from time to time. This means that our current effective crediting rates may be higher or lower than the crediting rates that were in effect when you signed your application. When we issue the Contract, we will apply the crediting rates that were in effect on the date you signed your application to your initial allocations, provided the Contract is issued within 45 calendar days of the date you signed it (for applications received with transfer or exchange forms) or within 21 calendar days of the date you signed it (for applications received with only cash premiums).
If the Contract is issued in the time frame stated above, we will apply the crediting rates that were in effect on the date you signed your application to your initial allocations regardless of whether our current effective crediting rates have increased or decreased since you signed your application. If the Contract is not issued in the time frame stated above for any reason and our current effective crediting rates are lower than the crediting rates that were in effect on the date you signed your application, we will not issue the Contract unless you confirm that you accept the current effective crediting rates for your initial allocations, even though they are lower than the crediting rates that were in effect on the date you signed your application. If the Contract is not issued in the time frame stated above for any reason and our current effective crediting rates are the same or higher than the crediting rates that were in effect on the date you signed your application, we will issue the Contract and apply the current effective crediting rates to your initial allocations.
New crediting rates are declared for new Strategy Terms after your initial allocations and may be higher or lower than the crediting rates that applied to your initial allocations, subject to the minimum guaranteed crediting rates for the particular Investment Strategy. We will send you a notice 30 calendar days in advance explaining the investment options available to you, including the availability of the Performance Lock feature, and how you can obtain the crediting rates that will apply upon reinvestment or reallocation. New crediting rates will be declared at least five (5) Business Days before they go into effect. Any reallocation instructions must be received in Good Order no later than the close of business on the Contract Anniversary on which they will be effected. If the Contract Anniversary is a non-Business Day, reallocation instructions must be received in Good Order no later than the close of business on the Business Day prior to the Contract Anniversary. You may send reallocation instructions by mail to our Customer Service Office, by telephone at 1-888-GUARDIAN (1-888-482-7342) by emailing [email protected] or through our online portal at www.GuardianLife.com.
14
Right to Cancel
If you are not satisfied with your Contract, you can cancel it within a certain time period after receiving it by submitting a written request for cancellation. This right to cancel period is generally 10 days (30 days if your Contract is a replacement), but may differ in certain states. If you exercise your right to cancel, we will not assess a surrender charge. You will receive a full refund of your premium payment or your Contract Value as of the date we receive your cancellation request, whichever is greater. See Appendix B of the Prospectus  for state variations that may apply.
Tax-Free Section 1035 Exchanges
You can generally exchange one non-qualified annuity contract for another in a tax-free exchange under Section 1035 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as amended. Before making an exchange, you should compare both contracts carefully. If you exchange another annuity contract for the Contract described in this prospectus, you may have to pay a surrender charge on your old contract, and there will be a new surrender charge schedule on this Contract, and other charges and benefits may be different. In addition, an exchange may delay our receipt of the premium payment from your existing insurance company and, therefore, the issuance of the Contract may be delayed. You should not exchange another annuity contract for this Contract unless you determine, after comparing all the features, benefits and charges, that the exchange is in your best interest. You should consult with your financial professional before making an exchange.
15
MAKING WITHDRAWALS: ACCESSING THE MONEY IN YOUR CONTRACT
During the accumulation phase, you may request a partial withdrawal or full surrender at any time. Withdrawals and surrenders may incur surrender charges during the first six Contract Years, may be subject to taxes (including a 10% tax penalty before age 59 1/2), and, with respect to any amounts surrendered from an IPCS prior to the Term End Date, will be based on the Interim Value. Partial withdrawals may also reduce the Strategy Value Base of an IPCS and the Return of Premium Death Benefit by more, even significantly more, than the dollar amount withdrawn. If you request a withdrawal that would reduce the Contract Value below the minimum Contract Value of $2,000, we will confirm your request and, if confirmed, treat it as a request to fully surrender the Contract.
Partial Withdrawals
You may request a partial withdrawal as a net amount or a gross amount. Your selection will affect the amount you receive and the amount of any surrender charge assessed.
If you request a net amount, you will receive exactly the amount you specified, and your Contract Value will be reduced by the amount you requested plus the amount required to cover any applicable surrender charge. If you request a gross amount, your Contract Value will be reduced by exactly the amount you specified, and you will receive the amount you requested less any applicable surrender charge. In each case, the surrender charge (if any) is assessed against the gross amount withdrawn from your Contract Value less any free withdrawal amount.
If you do not specify the type of withdrawal, we will treat your request as a request to receive a net amount. If your remaining Contract Value is not sufficient to pay the surrender charge (if any), we will deduct the surrender charge from the amount withdrawn.
Surrenders
Surrender Value. The amount available for a full surrender of your Contract is the “Surrender Value.” The Surrender Value is the sum of (1) all Index Strategy Values less any applicable surrender charge and/or premium taxes and (2) the greater of (i) the Fixed Rate Strategy Value less any applicable surrender charge and/or premium taxes or (ii) the FRS Guaranteed Surrender Value.
FRS Guaranteed Surrender Value. The FRS Guaranteed Surrender Value is a minimum FRS surrender value after any applicable surrender charges have been deducted. In most states, the Guaranteed Surrender Value is 87.5% of amounts allocated to the FRS less withdrawals (excluding any surrender charges) accumulated at the minimum nonforfeiture rate disclosed in your Contract. If you surrender your Contract and there is any excess FRS Guaranteed Surrender Value, the proceeds payable to you will include the FRS Guaranteed Surrender Value.
16
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION ABOUT FEES
The following tables describe the fees, expenses, and adjustments that you will pay when buying, owning, and surrendering or making withdrawals from an IPCS or from the Contract. Please refer to your Contract specifications page for information about the specific fees you will pay each year based on the options you have elected.
The first table describes the fees and expenses that you will pay at the time that you surrender or make withdrawals from the Contract. State premium taxes may also be deducted.
Transaction Expenses 
Surrender Charge (as a percentage of amount surrendered)1
8%
1
The surrender charge will be imposed when you take a partial withdrawal or surrender your Contract during the first six Contract Years, unless an exception applies. Each year during the first six Contract Years, however, you may take withdrawals up to the “free withdrawal amount” without incurring a surrender charge. The free withdrawal amount is the greater of (i) 10% of your Contract Value as of the most recent Contract Anniversary (or, in the first Contract Year, 10% of your total premiums paid) or (ii) your RMD under our automatic RMD program.
The surrender charge grades to 0% according to the following schedule: 
Contract Year
1
2
3
4
5
6
7+
Surrender Charge Percentage
8%
8%
7%
6%
5%
4%
0%
The next table describes the adjustments, in addition to any transaction expenses, that apply if all or a portion of the Contract Value is removed from an IPCS before the end of the Strategy Term.
Adjustments 
Interim Value Adjustment Maximum Potential Loss (as a
percentage of Contract Value )1
100%
1
The maximum loss could occur in extreme circumstances due to a negative Interim Value adjustment. Transactions that are subject to an Interim Value adjustment include (i) taking a withdrawal or surrendering your Contract, including the deduction of applicable surrender charges and/or premium taxes, (ii) exercising the Performance Lock feature (if available), (iii) annuitization, (iv) the payment of the Standard Death Benefit, and (v) exercising your right to return the Contract (unless the return of premium is greater). See “Charges and Adjustments” for more information.
In addition to the fees described above, the amount you can earn on an IPCS will be limited to the extent the Index return exceeds (i) the Cap Rate (if any) under the Cap with Par Crediting Strategy or the Cap with Par & Spread Crediting Strategy; (ii) the Dual Direction Trigger Rate under the Dual Direction Trigger Rate Crediting Strategy; or (iii) the Step-Up Trigger Rate under the Step-Up Trigger Rate Crediting Strategy. Your returns will also be reduced by the Spread under the Cap with Par & Spread Crediting Strategy. The application of the Crediting Strategy may cause your returns under the IPCS to be lower than the Index’s returns. In return for accepting this limit on Index gains, you will receive some protection from Index losses through the Protection Strategy.
17
APPENDIX A: INVESTMENT OPTIONS AVAILABLE UNDER THE CONTRACT
Index Protection and Crediting Strategies
The following is a list of IPCS currently available under the Contract. We may change the features of the IPCS listed below (including the Index and the current limits on Index gains and losses), offer new IPCS, and terminate existing IPCS. We will provide you with written notice before making any changes other than changes to current limits on Index gains. Information about current limits on Index gains is available at www.guardianlife.com/annuities/rates. See “Investment Strategies – Index Protection and Crediting Strategies (“IPCS”)” in the prospectus for more information about the features of the IPCS.
The availability of IPCS may vary depending on the broker-dealer through which the contract is sold. 
Note: If amounts are removed from an IPCS before the end of its Strategy Term, we will apply an Interim Value adjustment. This may result in a significant reduction in your Contract Value that could exceed any protection from Index loss that would be in place if you held the option until the end of the Strategy Term. See “Charges and Adjustments – Interim Value Adjustment” in the prospectus for more information about Interim Value adjustments. 
Index
Type of Index
Strategy
Term
Crediting
Strategy
Current
Protection
Strategy Rates
(if held until
end of Strategy
Term)
Minimum
Crediting Strategy
Rates (for the life of
the IPCS)
S&P 500® Price
Return Index1
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
One Year
Cap with
Par
-10% Buffer
1.50% Cap
100% Participation
S&P 500® Price
Return
Index1;3
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
One Year
Cap with
Par &
Spread
-10% Buffer
1.50% Cap
100% Participation
1.00% Spread
S&P 500® Price
Return
Index1;3
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
One Year
Dual
Direction
Trigger
Rate
-10% Buffer
0.75%
S&P 500® Price
Return Index1
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
One Year
Step-Up
Trigger
Rate
-10% Buffer
1.00% Trigger
S&P 500® Price
Return Index1
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
One Year
Cap with
Par
-20% Buffer
1.50% Cap
100% Participation
S&P 500® Price
Return
Index1;3
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
One Year
Cap with
Par &
Spread
-20% Buffer
1.50% Cap
100% Participation
1.00% Spread
S&P 500® Price
Return
Index1;3
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
One Year
Dual
Direction
Trigger
Rate
-20% Buffer
0.75% Trigger
S&P 500® Price
Return Index1
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
One Year
Step-Up
Trigger
Rate
-20% Buffer
1.00% Trigger
S&P 500® Price
Return Index1
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
Three Year
Cap with
Par
-10% Buffer
5.00% Cap
100% Participation
S&P 500® Price
Return
Index1;3
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
Three Year
Cap with
Par &
Spread
-10% Buffer
5.00% Cap
100% Participation
3.00% Spread
A-1
Index
Type of Index
Strategy
Term
Crediting
Strategy
Current
Protection
Strategy Rates
(if held until
end of Strategy
Term)
Minimum
Crediting Strategy
Rates (for the life of
the IPCS)
S&P 500® Price
Return Index1
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
Three Year
Cap with
Par
-20% Buffer
5.00% Cap
100% Participation
S&P 500® Price
Return
Index1;3
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
Three Year
Cap with
Par &
Spread
-20% Buffer
5.00% Cap
100% Participation
3.00% Spread
S&P 500® Price
Return Index1
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
Six Year
Cap with
Par
-10% Buffer
10.00% Cap
100% Participation
S&P 500® Price
Return
Index1;3
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
Six Year
Cap with
Par &
Spread
-10% Buffer
10.00% Cap
100% Participation
6.00% Spread
S&P 500® Price
Return Index1
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
Six Year
Cap with
Par
-20% Buffer
10.00% Cap
100% Participation
S&P 500® Price
Return
Index1;3
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
Six Year
Cap with
Par &
Spread
-20% Buffer
10.00% Cap
100% Participation
6.00% Spread
S&P 500® Price
Return Index1
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
Six Year
Cap with
Par
-30% Buffer
10.00% Cap
100% Participation
S&P 500® Price
Return
Index1;3
U.S. Large Cap
Equities
Six Year
Cap with
Par &
Spread
-30% Buffer
10.00% Cap
100% Participation
6.00% Spread
Nasdaq-100® Price
Return Index1
Non-Financial
Large Cap
Equities
One Year
Cap with
Par
-10% Buffer
1.50% Cap
100% Participation
Nasdaq-100® Price
Return Index1;3
Non-Financial
Large Cap
Equities
One Year
Cap with
Par &
Spread
-10% Buffer
1.50% Cap
100% Participation
1.00% Spread
Nasdaq-100® Price
Return Index1
Non-Financial
Large Cap
Equities
One Year
Cap with
Par
-20% Buffer
1.50% Cap
100% Participation
Nasdaq-100® Price
Return Index1;3
Non-Financial
Large Cap
Equities
One Year
Cap with
Par &
Spread
-20% Buffer
1.50% Cap
100% Participation
1.00% Spread
Nasdaq-100® Price
Return Index1
Non-Financial
Large Cap
Equities
Three Year
Cap with
Par
-10% Buffer
5% Cap
100% Participation
Nasdaq-100® Price
Return Index1;3
Non-Financial
Large Cap
Equities
Three Year
Cap with
Par &
Spread
-10% Buffer
5% Cap
100% Participation
3.00% Spread
Nasdaq-100® Price
Return Index1
Non-Financial
Large Cap
Equities
Three Year
Cap with
Par
-20% Buffer
5% Cap
100% Participation
Nasdaq-100® Price
Return Index1;3
Non-Financial
Large Cap
Equities
Three Year
Cap with
Par &
Spread
-20% Buffer
5% Cap
100% Participation
3.00% Spread
A-2
Index
Type of Index
Strategy
Term
Crediting
Strategy
Current
Protection
Strategy Rates
(if held until
end of Strategy
Term)
Minimum
Crediting Strategy
Rates (for the life of
the IPCS)
Nasdaq-100® Price
Return Index1
Non-Financial
Large Cap
Equities
Six Year
Cap with
Par
-10% Buffer
10% Cap
100% Participation
Nasdaq-100® Price
Return Index1;3
Non-Financial
Large Cap
Equities
Six Year
Cap with
Par &
Spread
-10% Buffer
10% Cap
100% Participation
6.00% Spread
Nasdaq-100® Price
Return Index1
Non-Financial
Large Cap
Equities
Six Year
Cap with
Par
-20% Buffer
10% Cap
100% Participation
Nasdaq-100® Price
Return Index1;3
Non-Financial
Large Cap
Equities
Six Year
Cap with
Par &
Spread
-20% Buffer
10% Cap
100% Participation
6.00% Spread
Nasdaq-100® Price
Return Index1
Non-Financial
Large Cap
Equities
Six Year
Cap with
Par
-30% Buffer
10% Cap
100% Participation
Nasdaq-100® Price
Return Index1;3
Non-Financial
Large Cap
Equities
Six Year
Cap with
Par &
Spread
-30% Buffer
10% Cap
100% Participation
6.00% Spread
MSCI EAFE Price
Return Index1
International
Equities
One Year
Cap with
Par
-10% Buffer
1.50% Cap
100% Participation
MSCI EAFE Price
Return Index1
International
Equities
One Year
Cap with
Par
-20% Buffer
1.50% Cap
100% Participation
SG Smart Climate
Index2;3
U.S. Large Cap
Equities with ESG
Characteristics
Six Year
Cap with
Par
-30% Buffer
10.00% Cap
100% Participation
iShares Russell
2000 ETF3;4
U.S. Small Cap
Equities
One Year
Cap with
Par
10% Buffer
1.50% Cap
100% Participation
iShares Russell
2000 ETF3;4
U.S. Small Cap
Equities
One Year
Cap with
Par
20% Buffer
1.50% Cap
100% Participation
iShares Russell
2000 ETF3;4
U.S. Small Cap
Equities
Six Year
Cap with
Par
10% Buffer
1.50% Cap
100% Participation
iShares Russell
2000 ETF3;4
U.S. Small Cap
Equities
Six Year
Cap with
Par
20% Buffer
1.50% Cap
100% Participation
1
The Index is a “price return” index, not a “total return” index, and therefore the performance of the Index does not reflect dividends declared by any of the companies included in the Index, reducing the Index return. As a result, the Index will underperform a direct investment in the securities composing the Index.
2
The Index deducts fees and costs when calculating the Index return, reducing the Index return. As a result, the Index will underperform a direct investment in the securities composing the Index.
3
This IPCS is not available under Contracts issued in the state of New York.
4
This Index is an exchange-traded fund (ETF), and performance does not include income from dividends or other distributions paid by the ETF’s component companies or any dividends or distributions paid by the ETF, reducing the Index return. As a result, the Index will underperform a direct investment in the securities composing the Index.
We always intend to offer the 1-Year / -10% Buffer / S&P 500 Index / Cap with Par IPCS option, subject to our right to substitute the Index with one that is substantially similar, which means we will always offer a strategy with a -10% Buffer.
A-3
If you invest in an IPCS with the Cap with Par Crediting Strategy, we guarantee that the Participation Rate will never be less than 100%, and the Cap Rate will never be less than 1.50% for any IPCS with a 1 year Strategy Term, 5.00% for any IPCS with a 3 year Strategy Term, and 10.00% for any IPCS with a 6 year Strategy Term. If you invest in an IPCS with the Cap with Par & Spread Crediting Strategy, we guarantee that (i) the Participation Rate will never be less than 100%; (ii) the Cap Rate will never be less than 1.50% for any IPCS with a 1 year Strategy Term, 5.00% for any IPCS with a 3 year Strategy Term, and 10.00% for any IPCS with a 6 year Strategy Term; and (iii) the Spread will never be greater than 1.00% for any IPCS with a 1 year Strategy Term. If you invest in an IPCS with the Dual Direction Trigger Rate Crediting Strategy or the Step-Up Trigger Rate Crediting Strategy, we guarantee that the Dual Direction Trigger Rate will never be less than 0.75% and the Step-Up Trigger Rate will never be less than 1.00% for any IPCS with a 1 year Strategy Term.
Fixed Rate Strategy
The following describes the Fixed Rate Strategy currently available under the Contract. We may change the features of the FRS, offer new FRS options, and terminate the existing FRS. We will provide you with written notice before doing so.  
Name
Term
Minimum Guaranteed Interest Rate
Fixed Rate Strategy
One Year
0.15%
The Fixed Rate Strategy is not registered under the Securities Act of 1933 nor is it registered as an investment company under the Investment Company Act of 1940. The fixed rate strategy disclosures are subject to generally applicable provisions of the federal securities laws regarding the accuracy and completeness of disclosures.
A-4
The Prospectus and Statement of Additional Information (“SAI”), each dated August 10, 2026 contain additional important information about the Contract and are incorporated herein by reference. The Prospectus and SAI are available, without charge, upon request. For a free copy of the Prospectus or SAI, call us at 1-888-GUARDIAN (1-888-482-7342) sending an email request to [email protected], or visit our website at www.GuardianLife.com.
Contract ID: C000258308

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