> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://flexcover.gitbook.io/flexcover-protection-plans/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://flexcover.gitbook.io/flexcover-protection-plans/protection-plans/creating-a-plan.md).

# Creating a plan

Everything about a plan lives in one form, organized into six sections. Open it from **Create plan** on the home page, or **Plans → Edit** on an existing plan. Changes go live after you save.

## Protection type

Pick one of the four types. The type you pick shapes the rest of the form — see [Plan types](/flexcover-protection-plans/protection-plans/plan-types.md) for a deep dive:

| Type                    | What it communicates                                   | Extra field                |
| ----------------------- | ------------------------------------------------------ | -------------------------- |
| **Shipping protection** | Covers loss, damage or theft in transit                | —                          |
| **Warranty**            | Covers defects and wear for a fixed period             | Warranty years (1–5)       |
| **Return insurance**    | Customers can return within a window for a full refund | Return window (7–365 days) |
| **Custom protection**   | Your own coverage message                              | —                          |

## Plan basics

* **Plan name (internal)** — for your eyes only; customers never see it. Use it to tell plans apart in the list (e.g. *Warranty EU 2yr*).
* **Display name** — the customer-facing name shown in the cart and checkout (e.g. *2-Year Extended Warranty*).
* **Description** — a short customer-facing line shown under the plan name (e.g. *Covers all manufacturing defects for two years*).
* **Disabled description** — optional. Shown while the plan's checkbox is **unticked**, great for a gentle nudge like *Add 2 years of coverage for just $19.99*. Falls back to the normal description when empty.
* **Footer link** — an optional *Terms*-style link shown under the plan. Toggle it **Enabled**, then set the **Footer text** (e.g. *What's covered*) and the **Footer link** URL — typically a page on your store explaining coverage, exclusions and the claim process.
* **Enabled by default** — when on, the plan comes **pre-ticked** in the cart (and is added at checkout) without the customer doing anything. They can still untick it. Off by default. See [Plan behavior](/flexcover-protection-plans/protection-plans/plan-behavior.md).

## Pricing

Choose **Price type**:

* **Fixed** — one amount for every order (e.g. $3.99). Optionally open **Set price by cart value** to charge different amounts at different cart values.
* **Percentage** — a % of the order subtotal (e.g. 10%). Optionally open **Advanced setting** to tune how the fee scales.

The form shows a live summary of what customers will be charged. Full details, examples and recommended price points: [Pricing options](/flexcover-protection-plans/protection-plans/pricing-options.md).

## Appearance

Pick the **icon** shown next to the plan in the cart and checkout. Each protection type has a natural default (🚚 shipping, 🔧 warranty, ↩️ returns, 🛡️ custom), but you can swap it freely per plan.

## Fulfillment

Choose when the protection line item gets marked fulfilled — most merchants pick **Mark fulfilled immediately after order creation** since protection needs no shipping. All four options: [Fulfillment automation](/flexcover-protection-plans/orders-and-fulfillment/fulfillment-automation.md).

## Status

Toggle the plan **Active** or **Inactive**. Only active plans appear to customers; inactive plans keep their settings for later. Deleting a plan is permanent (you'll be asked to confirm).

> 💡 **Tip:** the right side of the admin shows a live cart preview as you edit — check how the name, description and price read before saving.