About the UK Whiplash Compensation Calculator
This UK whiplash compensation calculator returns the fixed tariff award for pain, suffering and loss of amenity under the Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021 in England and Wales. Choose when the accident happened, enter how long your symptoms lasted or are expected to last according to your medical report, and say whether you also suffered a minor psychological injury such as travel anxiety. The calculator looks up the right band and amount, and can add a judge’s uplift of up to 20% for exceptional circumstances.
It is for drivers and passengers injured in road traffic accidents who are making a claim through the Official Injury Claim service, and for anyone checking a settlement offer from an insurer. The tariff replaced common-law damages for whiplash lasting up to two years, so most offers should match these figures.
For accidents on or after 31 May 2025, the higher Table 2 amounts introduced by the Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025 apply; earlier accidents use the original 2021 table. The tariff covers only pain, suffering and loss of amenity — financial losses such as lost earnings, medical treatment and travel costs are claimed separately — and injuries lasting more than two years fall outside it.
With the default inputs, the tariff award (with any uplift) is £965.00. Change any value above to recalculate instantly.
How to use the uk whiplash compensation calculator
- 1Choose whether the accident happened before or on/after 31 May 2025.
- 2Enter the duration of symptoms from your medical report.
- 3Tick the box if you also had a minor psychological injury such as travel anxiety.
- 4Add an uplift only if exceptional circumstances apply (maximum 20%).
- 5Compare the tariff award with any offer, and claim financial losses separately.
Formula and method
The Whiplash Injury Regulations 2021 set fixed amounts for pain, suffering and loss of amenity in seven duration bands, from up to 3 months to 18–24 months. Each band has two figures: whiplash only, and whiplash with minor psychological injuries suffered on the same occasion. Table 1 applies where the cause of action accrued before 31 May 2025 and the higher Table 2 applies on or after that date.
The duration is the period stated in the medical report. Under regulation 3 a court may increase the tariff amount by up to 20% where the injury, or its effects, is exceptionally severe or there are exceptional circumstances that increase the pain, suffering or loss of amenity. Special damages, such as lost earnings, are separate and not part of the tariff.
- Tariff
- Fixed amount for the duration band from the regulations
- uplift%
- Court-ordered increase for exceptional circumstances (0–20%)
Worked examples
Whiplash lasting 8 months, accident after 31 May 2025
Eight months falls in the 6–9 month band. Under the 2025 table the award is £965 for whiplash only, up from £840 under the original 2021 table.
14 months with travel anxiety
A 14-month injury is in the 12–15 month band. With a minor psychological injury the 2025 tariff is £2,435.
20 months, 2024 accident, 10% uplift
An accident before 31 May 2025 uses the 2021 table: 18–24 months of whiplash is £4,215. A 10% uplift for exceptional circumstances adds £421.50, for £4,636.50.
Short injury of 2 months
Whiplash that resolves within three months attracts the lowest tariff: £275 for accidents on or after 31 May 2025.
Frequently asked questions
How much compensation do you get for whiplash in the UK?+
For road traffic accidents in England and Wales, whiplash lasting up to two years is paid at fixed tariff amounts. For accidents on or after 31 May 2025 these range from £275 for up to 3 months to £4,830 for 18–24 months, or up to £4,975 with a minor psychological injury.
When did the whiplash tariff increase?+
The Whiplash Injury (Amendment) Regulations 2025 raised the amounts for causes of action accruing on or after 31 May 2025. Accidents from 31 May 2021 up to 30 May 2025 still use the original 2021 tariff.
Can the whiplash tariff be increased?+
Yes, but only in exceptional cases. A court can uplift the tariff by up to 20% where the injury or its effects are exceptionally severe, or exceptional circumstances increase the pain, suffering or loss of amenity.
Does the tariff include lost wages?+
No. The tariff covers only pain, suffering and loss of amenity. Lost earnings, medical treatment, prescriptions, travel and other out-of-pocket costs are special damages claimed in addition.
Do I need a solicitor for a whiplash claim?+
Road traffic injury claims valued at up to £5,000 for the injury (and £10,000 overall) go through the small claims track, and the Official Injury Claim service lets you claim without a solicitor. Legal costs are generally not recoverable on that track.
What if my whiplash lasts longer than two years?+
Whiplash lasting more than 24 months is outside the tariff. Damages are then assessed in the usual way, with reference to the Judicial College Guidelines and case law, and are typically higher.
Results are general estimates and not legal advice. Laws vary by jurisdiction — consult a qualified attorney.