Use the 'three bridges close' technique

Effective face-to face presentation is a critical part of the LTCI sale, but what if you’re having trouble making the transition to closing the client and getting him to admit he needs this protection? To overcome that hurdle, look at employing the Three Bridges Close.

Start by saying, “Most people face three significant risks to their financial security. These risks could mean an extremely large out-of-pocket expense. What are they?”

Draw a representation of the client’s street and then draw three bridges on it.

Then say: “Bridges are made to be safe and secure, but if any of these bridges collapses, it could mean thousands of dollars out of your pocket. What are these bridges? The first bridge has to do with your home.”

So write: “Home” over the top of the bridge and ask the client how many years they’ve lived in the home. Then you tell them: “OK, so that means you have had homeowners insurance for XX years. What you have done is created a safety net.” Then, draw the safety net and ask: “What are the chances of this bridge collapsing to the tune of thousands of dollars (i.e., your house burning down)? Chances are 7 percent over your lifetime, assuming you own a home for 50 years.” Write 7 percent over the bridge. “But you don’t have to worry about this risk, because you have homeowners insurance.” Draw an arrow between the road and safety net. “Are you going to drop your homeowners insurance? The answer is no.”