TABLE OF CONTENT
- What Is the Official Injury Claim Portal?
- Official Injury Claim Tariff
- How Does the Portal Work?
- What is needed to start a claim through the OIC Portal?
- Tips for Using the Official Injury Claim Portal
- What claims are not suitable for the OIC?
- Mixed Injuries: A Complication
- Why Are Most People Still Using Lawyers?
- Let Us Help You
- FAQs
If you have been in a minor car accident in England or Wales and got hurt, you might be wondering how to claim compensation. The Official Injury Claim portal (OIC) is there to help you with it. But is it really that simple? Let’s learn how to use this portal and file your claim to get the amount you deserve.
What Is the Official Injury Claim Portal?
Launched in May 2021, the Official Injury Claim portal is an online service which is freely available. Motor insurance prices have gone up due to the expense of compensating for low-value whiplash injuries brought on by road traffic accidents (RTAs), which account for about 600,000 claims annually. The Civil Liability Act of 2018 serves as the foundation for the various initiatives the government is doing to address this. All drivers will see a decrease in rates as a result of these measures, and claimants will still be compensated proportionately for their injuries.
The Ministry of Justice launched Official Injury Claim in response to the increase in the small claims limit, which necessitates the development of a new service for consumers to assist them in filing a claim without legal assistance.
You can use it if:
- You were injured in a road traffic accident (RTA) that took place on or after 31 May 2021
- You were inside a vehicle (not a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist)
- The accident wasn’t your fault
- You are 18 or older
- The accident happened in England or Wales
Official Injury Claim Tariff
In general, a compensation claim’s monetary value falls into one of two categories:
General Damages
These stand in for the compensation you obtain, which is directly associated with your injuries. You can consult the Judicial College’s Guidelines for General Damages, which are valued by legal professionals.
Special Damages
It covers any monetary losses resulting from your injury, including missed wages, medical expenses, and the cost of replacing or repairing your car.
You can claim:
- Up to £5,000 for personal injuries (like whiplash or bruises)
- Up to £10,000 total, including other losses like car repairs or lost wages.
Want to claim compensation for a child? Learn more about Claiming Compensation For A Child and How CICA Works?
How Does the Portal Work?
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Create an account on the portal.
- Enter details about the accident and your injuries.
- Get a medical report arranged through the portal.
- Check if the insurance company has accepted or denied the fault.
- Receive an offer or go to court if needed.
What is needed to start a claim through the OIC Portal?
You can make your claim on your own using the OIC Portal. While some users find the website a bit tricky, entering the basic details is usually straightforward.
Depending on your accident and injury, you may need to provide:
- Your National Insurance Number
- Whereabouts of the accident (time, date, location)
- A Crime Reference Number, if the police were involved
- Details of the other vehicle involved and its owner
- Details of your own vehicle and who owns it
- Personal details of any passengers or witnesses
- Information and evidence about your injuries and any financial loss
Tips for Using the Official Injury Claim Portal
- Gather all information: accident details, photos, medical records.
- Be patient: the process can take several months.
- Consider legal advice: especially for complex or mixed injury claims.
- Stay informed: check for updates on the portal’s website.
According to UK Parliament Committees report,
“Nine out of ten people who make a claim in the system do so with the support of a professional user.”
What claims are not suitable for the OIC?
The Official Injury Claim Portal process is not suitable for the accidents where:
- You were not injured
- You are riding a motorcycle or a cycle
- You are walking a pedestrian
- You are riding a horse
- Your injuries are more severe than whiplash
- You are a child
- It was a ‘Hit and run’
- It was caused by any non-road-user
- The other driver’s vehicle is registered outside the United Kingdom
- Any of the parties is acting as the personal representative of a deceased person
If your claim involves any of such cases, then it should not applied through the OIC Portal.
Mixed Injuries: A Complication
Many claims involve both whiplash and other injuries, known as “mixed injuries.” These cases are more complex and can’t be settled using the fixed compensation tariffs. This adds to delays and confusion.
In the last quarter of 2024, 69% of claim types were for whiplash and another injury.
Read more on our blog, Road Traffic Accidents: 3 Ways They Affect Mental Health
Why Are Most People Still Using Lawyers?
Even though the portal is meant to be user-friendly, many people still prefer legal assistance.
Reasons include:
- Lack of confidence in handling claims alone.
- Desire for professional guidance.
- Concerns about getting the maximum compensation.
Case Study
Client B was in a road accident and suffered both whiplash and psychological injuries. She didn’t get legal help straight away and waited over a year before speaking to a lawyer. In the meantime, she tried to handle the claim herself using the OIC Portal.
The insurer accepted responsibility, and medical reports were collected. Client B tried to settle the claim for £15,000 but found the whole process confusing. Once she got legal advice, the offer was withdrawn, and the case was taken out of the OIC Portal because her injury claim was worth more than the £5,000 limit. Eventually, the claim was settled for £50,000.
Make your Road Traffic Accident Claim with expert guidance.
Let Us Help You
The Official Injury Claim portal was created to simplify the process of claiming for minor injuries after a road accident. While it has helped some, many users face delays and complexities. Concise Medico is here to help you. Our expert solicitors will handle all the nitty gritty of your claims.
If you’re considering using the portal, be prepared for a potentially lengthy process. And don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if needed.
FAQs
If you have been in a minor car accident in England or Wales and got hurt, you might be wondering how to claim compensation. The Official Injury Claim portal (OIC) is there to help you with it. But is it really that simple? Let’s learn how to use this portal and file your claim to get the amount you deserve.
What Is the Official Injury Claim Portal?
Launched in May 2021, the Official Injury Claim portal is an online service which is freely available. Motor insurance prices have gone up due to the expense of compensating for low-value whiplash injuries brought on by road traffic accidents (RTAs), which account for about 600,000 claims annually. The Civil Liability Act of 2018 serves as the foundation for the various initiatives the government is doing to address this. All drivers will see a decrease in rates as a result of these measures, and claimants will still be compensated proportionately for their injuries.
The Ministry of Justice launched Official Injury Claim in response to the increase in the small claims limit, which necessitates the development of a new service for consumers to assist them in filing a claim without legal assistance.
You can use it if:
- You were injured in a road traffic accident (RTA) that took place on or after 31 May 2021
- You were inside a vehicle (not a pedestrian, cyclist, or motorcyclist)
- The accident wasn’t your fault
- You are 18 or older
- The accident happened in England or Wales
Official Injury Claim Tariff
In general, a compensation claim’s monetary value falls into one of two categories:
General Damages
These stand in for the compensation you obtain, which is directly associated with your injuries. You can consult the Judicial College’s Guidelines for General Damages, which are valued by legal professionals.
Special Damages
It covers any monetary losses resulting from your injury, including missed wages, medical expenses, and the cost of replacing or repairing your car.
You can claim:
- Up to £5,000 for personal injuries (like whiplash or bruises)
- Up to £10,000 total, including other losses like car repairs or lost wages.
Want to claim compensation for a child? Learn more about Claiming Compensation For A Child and How CICA Works?
How Does the Portal Work?
Here’s a quick step-by-step guide:
- Create an account on the portal.
- Enter details about the accident and your injuries.
- Get a medical report arranged through the portal.
- Check if the insurance company has accepted or denied the fault.
- Receive an offer or go to court if needed.
What is needed to start a claim through the OIC Portal?
You can make your claim on your own using the OIC Portal. While some users find the website a bit tricky, entering the basic details is usually straightforward.
Depending on your accident and injury, you may need to provide:
- Your National Insurance Number
- Whereabouts of the accident (time, date, location)
- A Crime Reference Number, if the police were involved
- Details of the other vehicle involved and its owner
- Details of your own vehicle and who owns it
- Personal details of any passengers or witnesses
- Information and evidence about your injuries and any financial loss
Tips for Using the Official Injury Claim Portal
- Gather all information: accident details, photos, medical records.
- Be patient: the process can take several months.
- Consider legal advice: especially for complex or mixed injury claims.
- Stay informed: check for updates on the portal’s website.
According to UK Parliament Committees report,
“Nine out of ten people who make a claim in the system do so with the support of a professional user.”
What claims are not suitable for the OIC?
The Official Injury Claim Portal process is not suitable for the accidents where:
- You were not injured
- You are riding a motorcycle or a cycle
- You are walking a pedestrian
- You are riding a horse
- Your injuries are more severe than whiplash
- You are a child
- It was a ‘Hit and run’
- It was caused by any non-road-user
- The other driver’s vehicle is registered outside the United Kingdom
- Any of the parties is acting as the personal representative of a deceased person
If your claim involves any of such cases, then it should not applied through the OIC Portal.
Mixed Injuries: A Complication
Many claims involve both whiplash and other injuries, known as “mixed injuries.” These cases are more complex and can’t be settled using the fixed compensation tariffs. This adds to delays and confusion.
In the last quarter of 2024, 69% of claim types were for whiplash and another injury.
Read more on our blog, Road Traffic Accidents: 3 Ways They Affect Mental Health
Why Are Most People Still Using Lawyers?
Even though the portal is meant to be user-friendly, many people still prefer legal assistance.
Reasons include:
- Lack of confidence in handling claims alone.
- Desire for professional guidance.
- Concerns about getting the maximum compensation.
Case Study
Client B was in a road accident and suffered both whiplash and psychological injuries. She didn’t get legal help straight away and waited over a year before speaking to a lawyer. In the meantime, she tried to handle the claim herself using the OIC Portal.
The insurer accepted responsibility, and medical reports were collected. Client B tried to settle the claim for £15,000 but found the whole process confusing. Once she got legal advice, the offer was withdrawn, and the case was taken out of the OIC Portal because her injury claim was worth more than the £5,000 limit. Eventually, the claim was settled for £50,000.
Make your Road Traffic Accident Claim with expert guidance.
Let Us Help You
The Official Injury Claim portal was created to simplify the process of claiming for minor injuries after a road accident. While it has helped some, many users face delays and complexities. Concise Medico is here to help you. Our expert solicitors will handle all the nitty gritty of your claims.
If you’re considering using the portal, be prepared for a potentially lengthy process. And don’t hesitate to seek legal advice if needed.
