On 10^th February 2023 MPs launched a new inquiry into the success of the whiplash reforms since they were implemented in May 2021.



The reforms increased the small claims limit in RTA cases from £1,000 to £5,000 and created a portal called the Official Injury Claim so that claimants could run their cases without legal representation. These reforms were created with the main aim of reducing the amount of claims and the high costs of Whiplash claims in England and Wales. The government hoped that the reforms would reduce the cost of motor insurance to one billion down from two billion and in turn pass these savings onto motorists.



The online portal is described by the MOJ as providing a fair, accessible and efficient system for all claimants. The figures produced however show that 91% of the claimants who have used the Official Injury Claim portal have still sought legal representation. Leaving only 9% of claimant’s choosing to go unrepresented.



To aid their inquiry the committee has issued a call for evidence and are asking for the following:

• What effect have the measures introduced within the whiplash reform programme had on the number of minor personal injury claims to date?
• To what extent have these measures met the Government’s objective of reducing the cost of whiplash claims to the economy; and to what extent are any savings being passed on to motorists through lower insurance premiums?
• What have been the effects of raising the small claims track limit from £1,000 to £5,000; the ban on settling whiplash claims without medical evidence; and the fixed tariff of compensation for whiplash injuries that last up to 2 years?
• Why most claimants continue to use legal representation when using the online portal (90% since its launch)?
• Whether the OIC portal is accessible and easy-to-use for claimants and/or their legal representatives;
• Whether claims brought using the OIC are being settled in a timely manner, if timeliness could be improved upon; and if so, how?
• Whether the OIC ensures access to justice for everyone who may seek to make a claim?
• How widely known is the OIC and how are potential claimants made aware of its existence?
• How effective is the OIC portal in settling claims for mixed injury claims, which cannot be settled using the fixed tariff awards?
• Any other issues in relation to the implementation of the whiplash reform programme and operation of the OIC to date

Submissions are being accepted until 5pm on the 17^th March, you can submit yours here: https://committees.parliament.uk/call-for-evidence/3045/

Here at Box Legal we have competitively priced ATE insurance policies available for all types of personal injury claims.

The number and variety of cases we arrange cover for is always increasing and so please contact us to discuss any after the event insurance requirements. We are happy to discuss and develop ATE insurance for case types we do not already insure.

If you would like to speak to us or obtain further information then please call on 0870 766 997, or email info@boxlegal.co.uk