If you’ve been involved in a road traffic accident on or after 31 May 2021, you may be able to manage your claim independently through the Official Injury Claim Portal (“OIC”). The online portal was introduced to simplify the claims process for ‘low value’ accidents.
What is the OIC?
The OIC was launched following reforms to the Civil Liability Act 2018, which were set out to reduce the costs of minor road traffic accident claims, and slow down the rise of insurance premiums.
The OIC allows you to make and manage your own claim without the need for a solicitor. It is specifically created to be used by claimant’s directly and is simple to use.
What is a ‘low value’ claim?
A low value claim typically refers to injuries that are minor in nature. These may include:
- Whiplash injuries
- Minor psychological injuries such as travel anxiety or shock
- Superficial physical injuries, including small cuts, abrasions, or bruises
Under the whiplash reforms, compensation for whiplash injuries is now set by a fixed tariff depending on the duration of the injury. The table below shows the current tariff for whiplash type injuries for accidents which occurred on or after 31 May 2025:
| Duration of injury | Whiplash Only | Whiplash & minor psychological injury |
| Not more than 3 months | £275.00 | £300.00 |
| More than 3 months, but not more than 6 months | £565.00 | £595.00 |
| More than 6 months, but not more than 9 months | £965,00 | £1,025.00 |
| More than 9 months, but not more than 12 months | £1,510.00 | £1,595.00 |
| More than 12 months, but more than 15 months | £2,335.00 | £2,435.00 |
| More than 15 months but not more than 18 months | £3,445.00 | £3,550.00 |
| More than 18 months but not more than 24 months | £4,830.00 | £4,975.00 |
When the OIC is not used
- If you have suffered more serious injuries.
- If you were a pedestrian, cyclist or motorcyclist.
- If the accident was a “hit and run” and you cannot locate the at-fault driver.
- If the other vehicle involved is not registered in the UK.
- Claims involving children (under 18 at the time of the accident).
- Complex claims with liability in dispute / alleged fraud.
- If the total claim value or the injury claim value exceeds the limit set by the OIC (currently £10,000 and £5,000 respectively).
When you might need legal assistance
The OIC is specifically designed for self-representation, meaning that most claimants do not require a solicitor. However, you may still choose to seek legal advice if your case is more complex. For example, if liability is disputed, your injuries are more serious, or you are unsure about any aspect of the process.
If you have been involved in an accident and would like to discuss your claim, please contact Mewies Solicitors on 01756 799 000 or by email to info@mewiessolicitors.co.uk.
Written by Emma Marshall, Paralegal