When it comes to car insurance, not all claims need to spell the end of your No Claims Discount. That’s where Step-Back Protection comes in — a smart feature offered through its4women.ie that helps protect your discount even if you need to make a claim.

Let’s break it down.

What is Step-Back Protection?

Step-Back Protection is a built-in feature of your car insurance policy with its4women. It means that if you make a claim, you won’t lose all of your No Claims Discount — just a portion of it, based on the number of years you’ve built up.

This is different from a standard No Claims Discount, where one claim could drop you all the way back to zero. Step-back means you "step back" a few years instead of starting from scratch.

How Does Step-Back Protection Work?

Here’s how your No Claims Discount is affected if you make a single claim under this protection:

➡️ If two or more claims happen within one insurance year, your No Claims Discount will be reduced to zero, regardless of how many years you had built up.

What Type of Claims Don’t Affect Your No Claims Discount?

Not every claim will trigger a step-back. The following types of claims do not reduce your No Claims Discount:

• Windscreen claims (if windscreen cover is shown on your schedule)

• Emergency treatment payments required by law

• Claims that are fully recovered from a third party

• Personal belongings or lock replacement claims

So, if you need a windscreen repaired or your car is broken into, your No Claims Discount won’t be impacted.

Who Can Avail of Step-Back Protection?

Step-Back Protection applies automatically to all its4women car insurance policies. If you’ve built up a No Claims Discount and make a claim, this protection will be applied unless your schedule shows otherwise.

This makes it especially valuable for:

• Careful drivers who want to avoid losing their full discount after an isolated incident

• Customers with 3+ years of no claims bonus, where a partial step-back still keeps significant savings intact

• Anyone who wants peace of mind, knowing their efforts behind the wheel won’t be completely wiped out by a single claim

Does Step-Back Mean Your Premium Won’t Increase?

While Step-Back Protection helps preserve your No Claims Discount, it's important to note that your premium may still increase at renewal after a claim. That’s because other factors — such as your claims history, vehicle type, and driving profile — also affect your premium.

Final Thoughts

Step-Back Protection is a quiet hero in your its4women policy. It helps soften the blow of a claim, so one mistake doesn’t undo years of careful driving. Whether you're just starting to build your No Claims Discount or protecting five years or more, this built-in feature gives you a valuable buffer.

If you want full protection for your NCD, its4women also offer Full Bonus Protection as an optional extra.  

Ready to check your cover or view your No Claims Bonus?
Log into your online account or contact the team at its4women.ie.