Table of Contents
Direct Answer
For accidents on or after 31 May 2025, whiplash compensation in the UK is set by a fixed government tariff ranging from £275 for injuries lasting up to three months to £4,830 for injuries lasting up to 24 months (whiplash only). Where a minor psychological injury also occurs, the tariff rises to a maximum of £4,975. These are general damages only — special damages for financial losses such as lost earnings and treatment costs are claimed on top. Injuries lasting more than two years fall outside the tariff and attract higher, individually assessed awards.
Whiplash is the most common injury arising from road traffic accidents in the UK. If you were involved in a car accident that was not your fault and suffered a whiplash injury as a result, you may be entitled to compensation. Understanding how much you can claim — and how the current rules work — is the essential starting point for any claim.
The law governing whiplash compensation in England and Wales changed significantly in 2021, and was updated again in May 2025. This guide explains the current rules, the official tariff figures, what you can claim on top of the tariff, and how to get started with your claim through our road traffic accident claims team.
What Is a Whiplash Injury?
Under the Civil Liability Act 2018, a whiplash injury is legally defined as an injury of soft tissue in the neck, back or shoulder — specifically a sprain, strain, tear, rupture or lesser damage to a muscle, tendon or ligament, or an associated soft tissue injury. This definition governs which injuries are subject to the fixed tariff system.
Whiplash most commonly occurs in rear-end collisions, where the sudden forward and backward motion of the head causes the neck muscles and ligaments to overstretch. Symptoms typically include neck pain and stiffness, shoulder pain, headaches, dizziness, numbness or tingling in the arms, and — in more serious cases — referred pain, nerve damage and chronic pain syndrome.
The 2025 Whiplash Tariff — How It Works
The whiplash tariff is a fixed scale of compensation for general damages (pain, suffering and loss of amenity) for road traffic accident related whiplash injuries lasting up to two years. It was introduced by the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021 and applies to accidents occurring on or after 31 May 2021.
Following a statutory review, the Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025 came into force on 31 May 2025, increasing all tariff amounts by approximately 15% to reflect inflation since 2021. The updated amounts apply to all accidents occurring on or after 31 May 2025. Accidents between 31 May 2021 and 30 May 2025 are assessed under the original 2021 tariff. The next review of the tariff is due by May 2027.
How the tariff amount is determined
The tariff amount is determined by a single factor: the prognosis duration of your whiplash injury — that is, the period of time a medical expert believes the effects of the injury will last. The longer the prognosis, the higher the tariff amount. The prognosis must be set out in a supporting medical report from an accredited MedCo expert before any settlement can be reached.
The tariff operates on two tracks:
- Whiplash only — the standard tariff for a physical whiplash injury without an accompanying psychological injury
- Whiplash with minor psychological injury — a higher tariff where the claimant also suffered a minor psychological injury on the same occasion, such as travel anxiety, low-level shock or occasional sleep disturbance
2025 Whiplash Tariff — Official Figures
The following figures are taken directly from the Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025 and the official GOV.UK guidance published by the Ministry of Justice. These are the current tariff amounts for accidents occurring on or after 31 May 2025.
| Duration of Injury (Prognosis) | Whiplash Only | Whiplash + Minor Psychological Injury |
|---|---|---|
| Not more than 3 months | £275 | £300 |
| More than 3 months, up to 6 months | £565 | £595 |
| More than 6 months, up to 9 months | £965 | £1,025 |
| More than 9 months, up to 12 months | £1,510 | £1,595 |
| More than 12 months, up to 15 months | £2,335 | £2,435 |
| More than 15 months, up to 18 months | £3,445 | £3,550 |
| More than 18 months, up to 24 months | £4,830 | £4,975 |
Source: Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025 / GOV.UK. These figures represent general damages only. Special damages are claimed in addition. For accidents between 31 May 2021 and 30 May 2025, the original 2021 tariff applies — see Table 1 on GOV.UK.
These are general damages only. The tariff covers compensation for pain, suffering and loss of amenity. Your total claim will be higher once special damages — financial losses such as lost earnings, physiotherapy costs, vehicle damage and travel expenses — are added on top.
The 20% Exceptional Uplift
The Civil Liability Act 2018 gives judges the discretion to award up to 20% above the relevant tariff figure in exceptional circumstances. This uplift applies where:
- The degree of pain, suffering or loss of amenity caused by the injury is exceptional for that tariff band — meaning the claimant’s experience was significantly worse than typical for an injury of that duration
- The claimant’s personal circumstances increased the pain, suffering or loss of amenity caused by the injury — for example, a pre-existing condition that was significantly aggravated, or a particular vulnerability that made the injury more debilitating
The meaning of “exceptional” is determined by the courts based on the facts of each case. It is not automatically applied — it must be specifically claimed and supported by medical evidence. A specialist road traffic accident solicitor will identify whether your circumstances justify an application for the uplift.
A professional musician suffers whiplash with a nine-month prognosis. The standard tariff for a nine to twelve month injury is £1,510. However, because the injury affects their ability to perform and has a disproportionate impact on their livelihood and daily life, a court may award the uplift — potentially adding up to £302 on top of the tariff figure.
Special Damages — What You Can Claim on Top of the Tariff
The tariff covers general damages only. On top of the tariff amount, you can claim special damages for any financial losses that are a direct consequence of the accident and your whiplash injury. These are claimed separately and there is no fixed limit — they are calculated based on your actual documented losses.
💼 Loss of Earnings
Income lost because you were unable to work during recovery — including overtime, bonuses and holiday pay lost as a result of the injury.
🏥 Medical Treatment
The cost of physiotherapy, chiropractic treatment, osteopathy, medication, and any other medical care required as a result of the whiplash injury.
🚗 Vehicle Costs
Repair or replacement costs for your vehicle, hire car costs while your vehicle was off the road, and any excess paid on your insurance policy.
🚌 Travel Expenses
The cost of travelling to and from medical appointments, physiotherapy sessions and any other appointments required as a result of the accident.
🧠 Psychological Treatment
Where the psychological impact goes beyond minor anxiety — such as travel phobia or PTSD requiring counselling or CBT — the cost of that treatment is recoverable.
🏠 Care and Assistance
The reasonable value of care and assistance provided by family members during your recovery, where you were unable to carry out daily tasks independently.
Keep all receipts, invoices, payslips and bank statements related to the accident from the very first day. Special damages are only recoverable if they can be evidenced. A dedicated folder — physical or digital — for all financial documentation will significantly strengthen your claim.
Injuries Outside the Tariff — When More Compensation Is Available
The fixed tariff applies only to whiplash injuries as legally defined — soft tissue injuries to the neck, back or shoulder lasting up to two years. Several categories of injury fall outside the tariff entirely and attract individually assessed compensation, potentially significantly higher than the tariff amounts:
Injuries lasting more than two years
Whiplash injuries with a prognosis exceeding 24 months do not fall within the tariff system. They are valued in the same way as before the 2021 reforms — by reference to the Judicial College Guidelines (JCG) and the specific facts of your case. Serious long-duration whiplash claims can attract awards of £25,000 or more depending on severity and permanence.
Non-whiplash injuries
If your accident caused injuries that do not fall within the legal definition of whiplash — such as fractures, disc prolapses, nerve root damage, head injuries, knee injuries or psychological injuries that amount to a diagnosable condition — these are valued separately under the JCG, outside the tariff. These claims can be significantly more valuable.
Serious psychological injuries
Where you have developed a diagnosable psychological disorder — such as clinical PTSD, a specific phobia, or a recognised depressive disorder — as a result of the accident, this goes beyond “minor psychological injury” under the tariff definition and is assessed separately using the JCG, which can produce substantially higher awards.
Mixed Injury Claims — Whiplash Alongside Other Injuries
Where you suffered whiplash alongside other injuries to a different part of your body — such as a soft tissue knee injury, a fractured wrist, or a shoulder injury — you have what is known as a mixed injury claim. In these circumstances:
- The tariff applies to the whiplash element of your claim only
- The non-whiplash injuries are valued separately under the JCG
- The court must then consider whether the combined total properly reflects the overall impact of all injuries, or whether there is any double counting — following the Supreme Court’s guidance in Hassam v Rabot [2024]
Mixed injury claims are more complex and typically benefit significantly from specialist legal representation. An experienced personal injury solicitor will ensure that all injuries are properly identified, evidenced and valued.
Suffered additional injuries alongside whiplash?
Get specialist advice today.
The Official Injury Claim Portal — What It Is and When to Use It
The Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal is a free online service operated by the Motor Insurers’ Bureau (MIB). It was launched alongside the 2021 reforms to allow unrepresented claimants to make low-value road traffic accident personal injury claims without the assistance of a solicitor.
The OIC portal is designed for straightforward, low-value claims involving tariff injuries only. It is not suitable where:
- Your claim value exceeds £5,000 (the small claims track limit for road traffic injury claims)
- Liability is disputed — the other driver or their insurer is denying responsibility
- You have suffered injuries in addition to whiplash
- Your whiplash injury lasted more than two years
- You have suffered a significant psychological injury
- You are unsure whether the insurer’s offer fairly reflects your claim
Insurers are commercially motivated to settle claims quickly and cheaply. An offer made through the OIC portal may not fully reflect all your losses — particularly special damages that you may not have identified. Before accepting any settlement, seek legal advice to confirm the offer is fair.
How to Make a Whiplash Claim — Step by Step
1. Seek Medical Attention
Visit your GP or A&E as soon as possible after the accident. Getting your symptoms on your medical record immediately is essential — it creates contemporaneous evidence of your injury and rules out more serious conditions.
2. Gather Evidence
Photograph the accident scene, vehicle damage and any visible injuries. Take down the other driver’s details, insurance information and witness contact details. Keep all receipts and financial records from the outset.
3. Report the Accident
Report the accident to your own insurer as soon as possible, even if you do not intend to claim on your own policy. Failure to do so may invalidate your cover. You should also report it to the police if anyone was injured.
4. Get Legal Advice
Contact a specialist car accident solicitor for a free assessment. They will advise on whether your claim suits the OIC portal or requires full legal representation, identify all heads of loss and ensure you do not settle for less than you are entitled to.
5. Obtain Medical Evidence
Contact a specialist car accident solicitor for a free assessment. They will advise on whether your claim suits the OIC portal or requires full legal representation, identify all heads of loss and ensure you do not settle for less than you are entitled to.
6. Negotiate and Settle
Your solicitor will present your claim to the insurer, negotiate on your behalf and advise you on whether any offer made is fair and reasonable. Most whiplash claims settle without the need for court proceedings.
Not sure if your case qualifies? Get a free, no-obligation assessment today.
Time Limits — How Long Do You Have to Claim?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you have three years from the date of the road traffic accident to bring a personal injury claim for whiplash. If you miss this deadline, your claim will be time-barred and the court will not allow it to proceed regardless of its merits.
For children injured in road accidents, the three-year period runs from their 18th birthday — meaning they have until their 21st birthday to bring a claim. A parent or litigation friend can bring a claim on their behalf before they turn 18.
No Win No Fee Whiplash Claims
Whiplash claims — particularly those involving more serious injuries, additional injuries, disputed liability or complex circumstances — can be pursued through a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), commonly known as No Win No Fee. This means:
- You pay nothing upfront
- You pay nothing at all if your claim is unsuccessful
- If your claim succeeds, a legally capped success fee is deducted from your compensation — the exact amount is agreed in writing before your claim begins
- After-the-Event (ATE) insurance protects you against the defendant’s costs if the claim fails
Note that for straightforward low-value whiplash claims handled through the OIC portal, No Win No Fee solicitor representation is not typically available — the portal is designed for unrepresented claimants. However, for claims outside the portal — higher value claims, disputed liability, mixed injuries or injuries outside the tariff — No Win No Fee representation significantly improves your prospects of a full and fair settlement.
Frequently Asked Questions - Whiplash Claims UK — How Much Can I Claim?
How much can I claim for whiplash in the UK in 2025?
For accidents on or after 31 May 2025, the tariff ranges from £275 for injuries lasting up to three months to £4,830 for injuries lasting 18 to 24 months (whiplash only). Where a minor psychological injury also occurs, the range is £300 to £4,975. Special damages for financial losses are claimed on top. Injuries lasting more than two years fall outside the tariff and are valued individually.
What is the whiplash tariff?
The whiplash tariff is a fixed scale of compensation for general damages for road traffic accident related whiplash injuries lasting up to two years. Introduced by the Civil Liability Act 2018 and the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021, it was updated in May 2025 with an approximately 15% inflationary increase. The tariff is determined by the prognosis duration of the injury as confirmed by a medical expert.
Can I claim more than the whiplash tariff amount?
Yes, in certain circumstances. A judge can award up to 20% above the tariff in exceptional cases. Additionally, non-whiplash injuries, serious psychological injuries and whiplash injuries lasting more than two years are all valued separately, outside the tariff, using the Judicial College Guidelines — and can attract significantly higher awards.
What can I claim in addition to the whiplash tariff?
In addition to the tariff amount, you can claim special damages for financial losses — including lost earnings, the cost of physiotherapy and medical treatment, vehicle repair or hire costs, travel expenses and any other out-of-pocket costs directly caused by the accident and injury.
Do I need a solicitor to make a whiplash claim?
For low-value, straightforward tariff claims you can use the Official Injury Claim portal without a solicitor. However, if your injury is more serious, liability is disputed, you have suffered additional injuries, or you are unsure whether the insurer’s offer is fair, instructing a specialist solicitor on a No Win No Fee basis is strongly recommended.
How long do I have to make a whiplash claim?
Under the Limitation Act 1980, you have three years from the date of the accident to bring a whiplash claim. For children, the three-year period runs from their 18th birthday. Do not delay — early action preserves evidence and strengthens your claim.
What is the Official Injury Claim portal?
The Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal is a free online service for making low-value road traffic accident personal injury claims without a solicitor. It is designed for straightforward tariff-only claims worth under £5,000 where liability is not disputed. It is not suitable for complex claims, disputed liability or injuries outside the tariff.
Can I claim whiplash on a No Win No Fee basis?
Yes — for claims that fall outside the OIC portal, including more serious injuries, additional injuries, disputed liability and high-value claims. You pay nothing upfront and nothing if your claim is unsuccessful. If your claim succeeds, a legally capped success fee is deducted from your compensation.
Start Your No Win No Fee Claim Today
Our team of specialist road traffic accident solicitors offers a free, no-obligation case assessment. We will advise you honestly on whether you have a claim and handle everything on your behalf — with no upfront cost and no financial risk.
Legal disclaimer: This article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Every road traffic accident claim turns on its individual facts. You should seek independent legal advice from a qualified solicitor before taking any action. This guide reflects the law in England and Wales as at April 2026.
CONTACT US
Get in touch using the form below or via the following methods:
