> 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/plan-behavior.md).

# Plan behavior

How a plan behaves in the cart is a per-plan decision. There are three modes, set in the **Plan basics** section of the plan form.

## The three modes

### Optional (default)

The customer sees an unticked checkbox and decides. Nothing is added unless they tick it. This is the classic shipping-protection experience and the safest default.

### Enabled by default

The plan comes **pre-ticked** in the cart widget and is added at checkout automatically — the customer doesn't have to do anything to be covered. Crucially, **they can still untick it** before paying.

Use it when you want maximum attach rate without forcing anyone: default-selected protection is how the biggest protection programs operate, and the opt-out keeps it customer-friendly.

### Auto-added

The plan is applied to **every eligible order** and the checkbox is rendered ticked and locked — customers cannot remove it.

Treat this mode with care. It's meant for fees that are genuinely part of your terms of sale (e.g. a mandatory handling or installation coverage you've disclosed in your policy pages). For anything optional-feeling, prefer **Enabled by default** — a locked checkbox reads as a hidden fee and hurts trust (and conversion) more than the fee earns.

## Choosing between them

|                        | Optional                  | Enabled by default           | Auto-added               |
| ---------------------- | ------------------------- | ---------------------------- | ------------------------ |
| In the cart by default | —                         | ✅ pre-ticked                 | ✅ locked                 |
| Customer can remove it | —                         | ✅                            | ❌                        |
| Typical attach rate    | low–mid                   | high                         | 100%                     |
| Best for               | classic opt-in protection | maximizing coverage adoption | mandatory disclosed fees |

## The disabled description

For optional and default-enabled plans, the widget can show a different line of copy depending on the checkbox state:

* **Ticked** → the plan's normal **description** (*You're covered for 2 full years*).
* **Unticked** → the **disabled description** (*Shipping delays happen — protect this order for $3.99?*).

If the disabled description is empty, the normal description is shown in both states. This little bit of state-dependent copy is one of the cheapest conversion levers in the whole setup — write both.

## Footer link

Each plan can show a small footer line under its description — typically a link to your coverage terms:

1. Toggle the footer **Enabled**.
2. Set the **Footer text** (e.g. *What's covered*, *Terms*).
3. Point the **Footer link** at a page on your store describing coverage, exclusions and how to claim.

Customers who know how to claim are customers who claim calmly — and rate you five stars after you resolve it.