Decision guide
Should you use the Official Injury Claim portal or a solicitor?
The government's OIC portal was designed for self-represented claimants — but it's complex to navigate, deadlines are unforgiving, and insurers' legal teams know it inside out.
Option 1
Going it alone via OIC Portal
- Must coordinate your own medical report
- Negotiate directly with the insurer's legal team
- Easy to miss procedural deadlines
- No legal expertise on your side
- Average settlement often lower
Recommended
Option 2
Using a No Win No Fee Solicitor
- Solicitor handles all paperwork and deadlines
- Independent medical report arranged for you
- Experienced negotiators fighting for maximum payout
- No upfront cost — fee only if you win (capped at 25% + VAT)
- Average settlements significantly higher
87%+
of claimants who use professional representation achieve higher settlements than those who go it alone.