The UK whiplash tariff system
Under the Civil Liability Act 2018 and Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021, road traffic accident soft tissue neck and back claims are subject to a strict statutory tariff table based on recovery duration.
Table 1 applies to whiplash only, while Table 2 provides an enhanced payout if minor psychological injury (such as travel anxiety) was sustained.
Worked example: 6-9 month whiplash claim
A claimant suffering whiplash with travel anxiety lasting 7 months (Table 2 tariff of £895) with no uplift and £650 in special damages (physiotherapy and lost overtime) receives a total statutory payout of £1,545.
Inputs for the whiplash claim calculator
Symptom Duration
Number of months symptoms lasted before full recovery (up to 24 months).
Psychological Injury
Whether travel anxiety or minor psychological shock accompanied the neck injury.
Exceptional Uplift
Statutory judicial uplift of up to 20% for exceptionally severe circumstances.
Special Damages
Physiotherapy expenses, medication charges, and net loss of earnings.
CALCULATOR QUESTIONS
Whiplash claim calculator questions
Can I claim whiplash compensation myself without a solicitor?
Yes. The Ministry of Justice created the Official Injury Claim (OIC) online portal specifically for claimants to settle claims up to £5,000 without legal fees.
What is the maximum statutory tariff for whiplash in the UK?
Under Table 2, injuries lasting between 18 and 24 months receive £4,345 (plus up to 20% exceptional uplift and special damages).