Whiplash, caused by a road traffic accident, is one of the most common injuries for which people can claim compensation.
Indeed, according to a report by the Association of British Insurers (ABI), more than 1,500 whiplash claims are made in the UK every day!
If you think you may have a case to make a personal injury claim for whiplash, you’re probably wondering how much compensation you are entitled to.
At Mark Reynolds Solicitors, we have a team of personal injury solicitors who specialise in no-win no-fee whiplash claims and have helped thousands of people in Liverpool, Runcorn, Widnes, Warrington, and the surrounding areas to claim the compensation they deserve.
What is a whiplash claim?
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the head suddenly being forcefully whipped forwards and then backwards.
It’s often caused by car accidents, but can also be caused by contact sports, physical assault, or even a slip or a fall.
If you have whiplash, you may have sprained the muscles or ligaments in your neck, shoulders, and upper back, causing pain, stiffness, and restricted movement.
It is usually a temporary condition, but depending on the severity of the injury, it can take anything from days to years for the symptoms to fully disappear.
How do you claim for whiplash?
To make a successful whiplash claim, you must be able to provide medical evidence of your injuries, like a doctor’s report.
You must also be able to prove that the accident that caused your injury was not your fault.
Useful evidence may include:
- Details of the accident
- Contact details for the person who caused your injury
- Police reference numbers and/or crime reports
- Your insurance provider’s details
- Evidence of the accident (photos or witness statements)
- A formal medical report
- Proof of any financial losses you’ve suffered as a result
There are two ways to make a whiplash claim.
You can either submit your claim independently through the Official Injury Claim Portal, or instruct a solicitor to handle the claim on your behalf.
The OIC Portal is designed to handle simple, low-value road traffic accident claims. You may only use it to submit a claim independently if you meet certain eligibility criteria.
Most people prefer to use a specialist solicitor, like Mark Reynolds Solicitors, to help them navigate the claims process, even if they’re eligible to use the OIC Portal.
Gathering evidence and dealing with insurers can be time-consuming and overwhelming, particularly when recovering from an injury.
A solicitor can provide expert advice and support throughout the process, helping to ensure that you secure the maximum compensation you are entitled to.
What is the Official Injury Claim Portal and why was it introduced?
The Official Injury Claim Portal (OIC) is an online portal operated by the Motor Insurance Bureau (MIB) on behalf of the government.
It was introduced as part of the government’s whiplash reforms to help people in England and Wales to submit their own claims for minor, low-value road traffic accidents.
It’s designed to help reduce fraudulent claims, simplify the claims process, and reduce legal costs.
However, the vast majority of claims made through the OIC are still made with professional legal representation; only a very small percentage are unrepresented.
Which whiplash claims fall outside the Official Injury Claim Portal?
The OIC Portal can only be used by claimants making uncomplicated, low-value claims.
You cannot make a whiplash claim through the OIC if any of the following apply:
- You were a vulnerable road user (pedestrian, motorcyclist, cyclist, or horse rider)
- The value of your injuries exceeds £5,000
- You were injured in a hit and run
- You were injured by someone driving a foreign-registered vehicle
- The injured person is a child or “protected party”
If your claim falls into one of these categories, or if you would prefer professional support with your claim, contact Mark Reynolds Solicitors’ whiplash claims department to arrange a free initial consultation.
What is the Whiplash Compensation Tariff UK?
The Whiplash Compensation Tariff was introduced alongside the Official Injury Claim Portal under the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021.
The tariff sets out a fixed scale of compensation payouts for whiplash injuries from road traffic accidents lasting up to two years.
The Government introduced the tariff to help cut overall whiplash claim costs, reduce costs for the insurance industry, and pass these savings on to motorists.
The original tariff introduced in 2021 was officially updated in May 2025.
All compensation amounts were increased by about 15% to account for inflation since 2021.
How much compensation can you claim for whiplash?
The amount of compensation you can claim for whiplash depends on how long the injury is expected to last.
The current tariff can be found within The Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025.
Below is the whiplash claim value 2025 tariff for whiplash claims made on or after 31 May 2025.
| Duration of injury | Amount |
| Not more than 3 months | £300 |
| More than 3 months, but not more than 6 months | £595 |
| More than 6 months, but not more than 9 months | £1,025 |
| More than 9 months, but not more than 12 months | £1,595 |
| More than 12 months, but not more than 15 months | £2,435 |
| More than 15 months, but not more than 18 months | £3,550 |
| More than 18 months, but not more than 24 months | £4,975 |
Source: The Official Injury Claim Portal.
Disclaimer: This tariff is correct as of June 2026.
These figures only apply to whiplash claims that fall within the Official Injury Claim Portal. If your injuries are valued at more than £5,000 or your claim falls outside of the OIC Portal, you may be entitled to higher compensation.
Make a no-win, no-fee whiplash claim with Mark Reynolds Solicitors
If you’ve suffered whiplash after a road traffic accident, our team of whiplash solicitors here at Mark Reynolds Solicitors can help you to secure the maximum compensation that you’re entitled to.
We provide clear, straightforward legal advice, helping you to gather evidence and build a strong case. It’s fast, stress-free, and our no-win, no-fee service means that you won’t pay any legal fees unless your whiplash claim is successful.
To arrange a free initial consultation, contact us today by calling 0800 002 9577.