Whiplash Claims — Compensation Amounts and How to Claim
Last reviewed: July 2026 · EA Personal Injury Solicitors
Whiplash is a neck injury caused by the head being jolted suddenly, most commonly in car accidents. If you suffered whiplash in an accident that was not your fault within the last three years, you can usually claim compensation. Amounts for drivers and passengers are set by an official government tariff — from £275 up to £4,975 — while longer-lasting injuries, other injuries suffered alongside whiplash, and claims by cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians are valued separately and often attract higher awards.
TL;DR — Quick Summary
Key Points
- Official tariff amounts range from £275 to £4,975 depending on how long symptoms last
- The tariff only applies to drivers and passengers — cyclists, motorcyclists and pedestrians are valued under the Judicial College Guidelines
- Injuries lasting over two years fall outside the tariff and are worth substantially more
- Lost earnings, treatment costs and other injuries are claimed in addition to the tariff
- Three-year time limit from the date of the accident
- No win, no fee — if the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation
What Is Whiplash?
Whiplash is a soft-tissue injury to the neck, back or shoulders caused by the head being thrown suddenly forwards, backwards or sideways — most commonly in rear-end car collisions. Symptoms include neck pain and stiffness, headaches, shoulder and arm pain, dizziness and, in some cases, psychological effects such as travel anxiety. Most people recover within weeks or months, but some experience symptoms for years.
The Official Whiplash Tariff (Accidents On or After 31 May 2025)
Since the 2021 whiplash reforms, compensation for whiplash injuries lasting up to two years suffered by adult drivers and passengers of motor vehicles is fixed by a statutory tariff. The amounts below were set by the Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025 and apply to accidents occurring on or after 31 May 2025:
| Duration of symptoms | Whiplash only | With 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 |
A court can increase a tariff award by up to 20% in exceptional circumstances. Accidents that happened before 31 May 2025 are assessed under the original 2021 tariff, which has lower figures.
When the Tariff Does Not Apply
The tariff is narrower than many people realise. It does not apply where:
- You were a cyclist, motorcyclist, pedestrian or horse rider — your injury is valued under the Judicial College Guidelines, which generally produces higher awards than the tariff
- Your symptoms last longer than two years — the claim falls outside the tariff entirely
- You suffered other injuries alongside whiplash — fractures, bruising, more serious psychological injury and any other harm are valued separately and added to the claim
- You were under 18 at the time of the accident
These are exactly the situations where specialist advice matters most, because the difference in value between a tariff and non-tariff assessment can be substantial.
What You Can Claim on Top of the Tariff
The tariff only covers the pain and suffering caused by the whiplash injury itself. You can claim in addition for:
- Loss of earnings if you needed time off work
- Physiotherapy and other treatment costs
- Travel expenses and medication
- Care and assistance provided by family members
- Policy excess and other vehicle-related losses
Medical Evidence
Whiplash claims cannot be settled without medical evidence. You will be examined by an independent accredited medical expert, who prepares a report describing your injuries and how long they are expected to last. This report determines which tariff band applies, so it is important that it fully reflects your symptoms. We arrange the medical examination for you and review the report carefully before it is relied on.
Time Limits
You generally have three years from the date of the accident to issue court proceedings. If you were under 18 at the time, the three years run from your 18th birthday. Starting early protects evidence — dashcam footage, CCTV and witness recollections all degrade quickly.
No Win, No Fee Whiplash Claims
We handle whiplash claims under a Conditional Fee Agreement (CFA), commonly known as no win, no fee. You pay no solicitor's fees if your claim is unsuccessful. If the claim succeeds, a success fee may be deducted from your compensation. We explain the success fee percentage and all costs clearly before you sign anything.
Research References
- The Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025 (SI 2025/615) — legislation.gov.uk. Tariff figures effective 31 May 2025.
- Ministry of Justice. The whiplash tariff and guidance on minor psychological injuries. GOV.UK.
- Rabot v Hassam [2024] UKSC 11 — Supreme Court guidance on valuing mixed injury claims.