---
title: "What Is Downline? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "A downline is the group of agents recruited by and working under a given agent in a hierarchy. The agent above them is their upline."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/downline
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Distribution structure

# Downline

A downline is the group of agents recruited by and working under a given agent in a hierarchy. The agent above them is their upline.

## Why it matters

Downline production may earn the upline an override, which is the difference in contract levels. That can build income beyond personal sales. It also brings duties such as training and, in some deals, shared responsibility for chargebacks. Terms are contract-specific, so get them in writing. Some arrangements are regulated or restricted by state law.

Source: [naic.org](https://content.naic.org/insurance-topics/producer-licensing)

[Read next, for agentsBuilding an insurance agency: how overrides and downlines work, and what is legal](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/building-an-insurance-agency-overrides-downlines)

## Where we use this term

-   [Start an insurance agency with Epic Life: how ownership works](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/careers/agency-ownership)
-   [How do life insurance agents get paid? An honest breakdown](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/careers/compensation)
-   [Switching IMOs: what experienced agents should know](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/careers/experienced-agents)

## Start your climb.

Tell us where you are today and request a call about licensing, training and the calls.

[Apply to join](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply)

Shopping for coverage instead? [Get a quote](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote)