> 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-types.md).

# Plan types

FlexCover ships with four protection types. They differ in the promise they make to the customer — and in one extra setting each. The type also sets the default icon in the cart.

## 🚚 Shipping protection

Protects the customer's order against **loss, damage or theft during shipping** — including "porch piracy".

* **Extra settings:** none — it's ready to go as-is.
* **Works best as:** a small fixed fee ($2–$6), optionally tiered by cart value.
* **Typical stores:** any store that ships physical goods.

## 🔧 Warranty

Covers **manufacturing defects and normal wear for a fixed period** after purchase.

* **Extra setting:** **Warranty years** — 1 to 5 years (defaults to 2). The duration is part of the plan, so create separate plans for different durations (e.g. *1-Year* and *3-Year*).
* **Works best as:** a percentage of the order (8–15%) so the fee scales with product value, with a minimum charge.
* **Typical stores:** electronics, appliances, furniture, anything with a motor or a board.

## ↩️ Return insurance

Lets customers **return items within a window for a full refund** — effectively painless returns that the customer pays a little for.

* **Extra setting:** **Return window** — 7 to 365 days (defaults to 14).
* **Works best as:** a small fixed fee ($3–$8).
* **Typical stores:** apparel, shoes, bags — anywhere fit and taste drive returns.

## 🛡️ Custom protection

Everything else: **your own custom coverage message** — installation or setup protection, event weather protection, accidentally-damaged-at-first-use coverage... if you can write the promise in a sentence, you can sell it.

* **Extra settings:** none.
* **Works best as:** whatever fits the promise — fixed or percentage.
* **The rule of thumb:** keep the promise concrete and the claim path obvious (add a [footer link](/flexcover-protection-plans/protection-plans/creating-a-plan.md#plan-basics) to your coverage page).

## Mixing types

There's no limit on the number of active plans, and they don't have to be different types. A typical electronics store runs three plans at once:

| Plan                     | Type                       | Price                   |
| ------------------------ | -------------------------- | ----------------------- |
| Shipping Protection      | Shipping protection        | $3.99 fixed             |
| 2-Year Extended Warranty | Warranty (2 years)         | 10% of order, min $9.99 |
| 30-Day Easy Returns      | Return insurance (30 days) | $4.99 fixed             |

Each plan gets its own row in the cart, priced independently. See [Pricing options](/flexcover-protection-plans/protection-plans/pricing-options.md) for how the amounts are computed.