In May 2025, new changes came into force that affect how compensation is awarded for whiplash injuries following road traffic accidents. These updates reflect inflationary stresses and aim to ensure that compensation remains fair without undoing the core reforms introduced in 2021.
At Lamb Brooks, we understand that injury claims can be confusing, especially with ongoing regulatory changes. Here’s what you need to know.
The 2021 Reforms
The Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021, introduced under the Civil Liability Act 2018, brought in fixed tariffs for whiplash injuries lasting up to two years. These reforms also:
- Banned settlements without independent medical evidence
- Raised the Small Claims Track limit for most road traffic accident injuries to £5,000
- Introduced the Official Injury Claim (OIC) portal for unrepresented claimants
These changes were intended to control fraudulent claims and keep motor insurance costs down. However, many felt that the new compensation levels were too low, especially compared to awards before 2021.
What’s Changed in 2025?
As of 31 May 2025, the government has increased the fixed tariff for whiplash claims by approximately 15%. This applies only to accidents that occur on or after that date.
Here’s how the new tariff looks:
|
Duration of Injury |
Whiplash Only |
Whiplash + Minor Psychological |
|
0–3 months |
£275 |
£300 |
|
3–6 months |
£565 |
£595 |
|
6–9 months |
£965 |
£1,025 |
|
9–12 months |
£1,510 |
£1,595 |
|
12–15 months |
£2,335 |
£2,435 |
|
15–18 months |
£3,445 |
£3,550 |
|
18–24 months |
£4,830 |
£4,975 |
These increases reflect inflation since 2021 and are designed to remain in place until the next full review, scheduled for 2027.
What Stays the Same?
While the tariffs have gone up, the key principles of the system remain:
- A medical report is still required before any compensation can be awarded.
- The £5,000 Small Claims Track limit remains in place.
- Courts can still increase awards by up to 20% in cases of exceptional severity.
- The scope of what qualifies as a “whiplash injury” hasn’t changed, it still covers soft tissue injuries to the neck, back, and shoulders.
What This Means for Claimants
If you’re involved in a road traffic accident after 31 May 2025 and suffer a whiplash-type injury, your compensation may now be slightly higher than under the previous rules. However, the following still applies:
- Legal costs are only recoverable if your total claim exceeds £5,000.
- Additional injuries, such as broken bones or psychological harm, may allow your claim to go beyond the fixed tariff.
- The process remains largely self-managed unless your case is particularly complex or includes non-tariff injuries.
Not sure how the new rules impact your claim?
Our experienced Personal Injury team is here to help. We provide straightforward, jargon-free advice, and with our ‘no win, no fee’ service, you can explore your options with confidence and peace of mind.
Call us on 01256 844888 or email us at enquiries@lambbrooks.com