The second way to use a protective option is in conjunction with a stop. The closer an option is to its underlying asset, the more expensive it will be. It stands to reason that an option placed at a 2 percent loss threshold will be more expensive than an option placed at a 10 percent loss threshold. Whether because of account size, number of contracts placed on the trade, feeling a premium is too expensive, or simply looking for a way to stagger your trades, having a stop loss order in the first position and a protective option as a secondary stop loss can be an advantage.
