---
title: "What Is Persistency? Definition | Epic Life Glossary"
description: "Persistency is the share of policies that stay in force over time, usually measured at 13 months or longer. Higher persistency means fewer policies lapse."
url: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/glossary/persistency
publisher: Epic Life Group
apply: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/apply
quote: https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/get-a-quote
---

Compensation

# Persistency

Persistency is the share of policies that stay in force over time, usually measured at 13 months or longer. Higher persistency means fewer policies lapse.

## Why it matters

Carriers watch it closely, since early lapses cost them money. Agents with strong persistency may earn bonuses and face fewer chargebacks. Families who buy a policy they can afford and set up automatic payment help keep it in force. Exact measures differ by carrier. Example: if 90 of 100 policies remain active at month 13, persistency is 90 percent.

Source: [law.cornell.edu](https://www.law.cornell.edu/wex/commission)

[Read next, for agentsHow do life insurance agents get paid? An honest breakdown](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/careers/compensation)

## Where we use this term

-   [Life insurance chargebacks explained: how they work and how to protect your cash flow](https://epicline.preview.multisites.ai/guides/life-insurance-chargebacks)

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