Last updated · By Mustafa Bilgic
How much is a whiplash claim worth?
Whiplash is the most common injury in UK road-traffic accidents, and since the Civil Liability Act 2018 reforms it is also the most tightly regulated. For most claimants the headline figure is now decided not by negotiation but by a fixed tariff set by the Ministry of Justice. That makes whiplash unusually predictable to estimate — provided you know your prognosis period (how long a doctor expects your symptoms to last).
The UK whiplash tariff, band by band
For accidents in England and Wales on or after 31 May 2025, the statutory tariff for the pain, suffering and loss of amenity of a whiplash injury is fixed. The amount depends almost entirely on how long your symptoms last:
| Duration of symptoms | Tariff amount (£) |
|---|---|
| Up to 3 months | £275 |
| 3 to 6 months | £565 |
| 6 to 9 months | £965 |
| 9 to 12 months | £1,510 |
| 12 to 15 months | £2,335 |
| 15 to 18 months | £3,445 |
| 18 to 24 months | £4,830 |
A slightly higher tariff applies where the whiplash is accompanied by one or more minor psychological injuries. A court also has limited power to uplift the tariff by up to 20% in exceptional circumstances.
When whiplash is worth more than the tariff
The tariff only covers whiplash lasting up to two years. If your neck symptoms persist beyond 24 months, or you develop a chronic pain condition, the claim leaves the tariff system and is valued under the Judicial College Guidelines for neck injuries — where moderate cases run to roughly £13,700 and severe cases far higher. Choosing the "Severe" option in the calculator switches to these bracket figures.
What affects your whiplash payout
- Prognosis period — the single biggest driver under the tariff. A medical report (often from a MedCo-accredited expert) sets your expected recovery time.
- Whether symptoms exceed two years — this lifts you out of the fixed tariff entirely.
- Additional minor injuries — bruising, minor psychological symptoms or travel anxiety can attract a modestly higher tariff figure.
- Your financial losses — see special damages below.
Special damages for whiplash
On top of the tariff (or bracket) figure you can usually recover your actual out-of-pocket losses: physiotherapy, prescription costs, the cost of travel to medical appointments, and any earnings lost while you were unable to work. For most short whiplash claims these are small, but they are still recoverable and are added pound-for-pound in the calculator above.
How to claim for whiplash in the UK
Low-value whiplash claims (where the injury is worth £5,000 or less and the total claim is under £10,000) are usually handled through the government's Official Injury Claim portal, often without a solicitor. For longer-lasting or more serious neck injuries, most people use a solicitor on a no-win-no-fee basis. This site is an estimating tool only and does not provide legal advice or representation.
Whiplash compensation — frequently asked questions
How much compensation will I get for whiplash in the UK?
For accidents on or after 31 May 2025, the fixed whiplash tariff ranges from £275 (symptoms under 3 months) to £4,830 (18–24 months). Whiplash lasting longer than two years is valued outside the tariff and can be worth more. Your own lost earnings and treatment costs are added on top as special damages.
How much is a whiplash settlement in the US?
There is no whiplash tariff in the US. A minor whiplash claim commonly settles for around $10,000–$30,000, but the figure depends heavily on your medical treatment, documented lost income, the at-fault driver's insurance limits and the state you are in. More serious or longer-lasting neck injuries settle for considerably more.
How long does a whiplash claim take?
A straightforward UK whiplash claim through the Official Injury Claim portal can settle in a few months once your prognosis is confirmed by a medical report. Claims that fall outside the tariff, or that involve disputed liability or ongoing treatment, take longer because the final value cannot be fixed until your recovery is clearer.
Do I need a medical report to claim for whiplash?
Yes. In England and Wales a whiplash claim under the tariff requires a fixed-cost medical report, usually from a MedCo-accredited expert, confirming the injury and your prognosis period. The prognosis period determines which tariff band — and therefore which figure — applies to your claim.
Is this whiplash calculator accurate?
It uses the official UK tariff figures and realistic US settlement ranges, so it gives a sound guide. It is not a guarantee — your actual payout depends on your confirmed prognosis, your losses, liability and, in the US, the relevant insurance limits. Always confirm with a qualified solicitor or attorney.