A fixed tariff applies.
For most road accident whiplash claims where symptoms last up to two years, the amount for your injury is set by law according to how long your symptoms last, and whether you also have a minor psychological injury such as anxiety about travelling.
The tariff went up in 2025.
For accidents on or after 31 May 2025, the amounts were increased by around 15% (Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025). Earlier accidents use the original 2021 figures.
Injuries lasting longer than two years
fall outside the tariff and are valued differently.
Official Injury Claim (OIC)
claims where the injury is worth £5,000 or less, and the whole claim £10,000 or less, normally go through this free online service. Legal costs usually cannot be recovered from the other side.
You need a medical report.
It must come from an accredited independent expert, and an insurer cannot lawfully settle without one.
Time limit
usually three years from the accident.
What is whiplash?
In law, whiplash means a soft tissue injury to the neck, back or shoulder, such as a sprain or strain to muscles, tendons or ligaments. It usually happens when your body is thrown suddenly, most often in a vehicle collision, even at low speed. Symptoms can include:
- Neck pain and stiffness
- Headaches
- Shoulder and upper back pain
- Dizziness and fatigue
- Pins and needles in the arms or hands
- Trouble sleeping or concentrating
Symptoms may appear a day or two later, and recovery can take weeks, months or sometimes more than a year.
How does the tariff work?
The tariff comes from the Civil Liability Act 2018 and the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021. It has two tiers: whiplash alone, and whiplash with a minor psychological injury. Within each tier, the award rises in bands depending on how long your symptoms last, from up to three months to up to two years. In exceptional cases a court can increase the figure by up to 20%.
We will tell you the exact figure that applies to your accident date, because it depends on whether it happened before or after 31 May 2025. The tariff covers the injury only. Financial losses such as lost earnings, treatment and travel are claimed on top.
Do I have to use the Official Injury Claim service?
If your claim fits the limits above and you are not in an excluded group, the Official Injury Claim service is the route most whiplash claims now follow. It was designed so people can claim without a solicitor, and it costs nothing to use. Pedestrians, cyclists, motorcyclists and some other road users are treated differently, so we will check which rules apply to you.
The honest trade-off is this. Because legal costs cannot normally be recovered from the other side, many law firms no longer take these claims on. When you call, we will tell you plainly whether we can act for you and on what terms, or whether you are better placed to bring the claim yourself, and we will point you in the right direction either way. Claims that include more serious or non-whiplash injuries can fall outside this system, and that is where legal help matters most.
The Ministry of Justice has been reviewing how these reforms are working, so the rules could change again. We keep this page up to date.
What should you do after a collision?
See a doctor or go to A&E
if you have any pain. It protects your health and your claim.
Record the details.
Photographs, the other driver’s information and any witnesses.
Keep a symptom diary.
Note your pain, sleep, work and daily limits. It helps your medical expert and your memory.
Be careful what you say and post.
Do not accept a quick payment from an insurer, and avoid social media posts about the accident or your activities.
Speak to us.
The first call is free.
Your claim in four simple steps
Talk to us
Call or complete the form for a free, no-obligation chat about what happened.
We assess your claim
We tell you honestly whether you have a strong case, and what to expect.
We build your case
We gather evidence, arrange medical reports and deal with the other side.
You receive your
compensation
We negotiate a fair settlement or take your case to court if needed.
Whiplash claims: your questions answered
How much is my whiplash claim worth?
Usually three years from the date of the accident, or from when you realised your injury was linked to it. Different rules can apply to children and to people who lack mental capacity.
Do I need a medical report?
Usually three years from the date of the accident, or from when you realised your injury was linked to it. Different rules can apply to children and to people who lack mental capacity.
Can I claim without a solicitor?
Every case is different. It depends on the severity of your injury, your recovery and any financial losses.
What if my symptoms last longer than two years?
Every case is different. It depends on the severity of your injury, your recovery and any financial losses.
I was not wearing a seatbelt. Can I still claim?
Most claims settle without a court hearing. If yours does not, we will prepare you fully.
How long do I have to claim?
You can claim for lost earnings, and we will help you gather the evidence.
Talk to a solicitor today
Tell us what happened. It costs nothing, there is no obligation, and we will call you back within 2 working hours.