At a glance
- The crime was not reported to the police — No police report means CICA might not be able to confirm the incident.
- The claim was submitted after the 2-year deadline — Late applications are usually refused unless specific exceptions apply.
- You have an unspent criminal conviction — Some convictions can reduce or prevent an award, but not all claims are barred.
- There is not enough medical evidence — Injuries must be clearly supported by medical records or clinical diagnosis.
- You did not cooperate with CICA or the police — Missed requests, appointments or updates can lead to refusal.
CICA refuses or undervalues thousands of claims every year, often for reasons that could have been avoided.
Understanding why claims fail is the first step to protecting your own. Below are the five most common grounds for refusal, what they mean in practice, and how Injury Lawyers 4u helps prevent each one.
1. The crime wasn’t reported to the police
One of the most common reasons for refusal is that the incident wasn’t reported as soon as reasonably possible. In most cases, CICA expects a formal police report. Without it, there may be no independent record of what happened.
Why this leads to refusal
CICA relies heavily on police evidence, including:
- Confirmation the incident was reported
- A police record of the event
- Enough detail to verify the circumstances
A crime reference number is the number the police use to identify the reported incident. It helps CICA locate and check the report.
How to avoid it
Report the incident as soon as you can, even if:
- You don’t think anyone will be charged
- You aren’t sure whether the case will go to court
- You’re unsure about making a claim
Having a police report matters because the scheme typically requires prompt reporting unless there’s a good reason for delay.
If fear stops you reporting the crime, such as a case involving domestic abuse or coercive control, that doesn’t always mean the case is hopeless.
CICA can exercise discretion in some circumstances, but you’ll need clear evidence explaining why reporting earlier was impossible or unsafe.
How Injury Lawyers 4u helps prevent this
We check the police reporting history at the start of the case, identify gaps early and help present evidence where delayed reporting needs to be explained.
If you were refused a CICA claim because of this, contact Injury Lawyers 4u straight away. There may still be limited grounds to challenge the refusal if reporting was delayed for reasons linked to trauma, fear or control by the offender.
2. The application was submitted outside the 2-year time limit
Under the scheme, CICA claims usually need to be made within two years of the incident.
Why this leads to refusal
CICA applies this deadline strictly. Late applications are often refused unless there are exceptional circumstances and enough evidence to assess the claim without further investigation.
How to avoid it
Apply as soon as possible. Don’t assume the deadline will be extended.
Exceptions may apply in cases involving:
- Child sexual abuse, where late applications are commonly considered
- Late-diagnosed psychological injury, where timing might depend on when the injury became clear
- Domestic abuse with valid reasons for late reporting
These aren’t guaranteed, but they can be important.
How Injury Lawyers 4u can help
We check limitations at the outset, advise whether an exception might apply and prepare the explanation and evidence needed to support a late application.
If your CICA claim refusal decision was based on time limits, act quickly. There can still be grounds to challenge the refusal through review or appeal, especially where the delay can be properly evidenced.
3. The applicant has an unspent criminal conviction
This is one of the most misunderstood reasons for CICA refusal. A criminal record doesn’t automatically block every claim. The real issue is whether you have an unspent conviction, meaning a conviction that hasn’t yet passed the rehabilitation period under the Rehabilitation of Offenders Act 1974. Spent convictions are generally not treated the same way.
Why this causes refusal
The scheme allows CICA to withhold or reduce an award where the applicant has certain unspent convictions. The outcome depends on the nature of the sentence and the circumstances. In some cases, an award might be reduced. In others, it might be refused altogether.
What matters most
Spent convictions are usually treated differently
Not all unspent convictions lead to refusal
Each case depends on the details
How to avoid problems
Don’t make assumptions. It’s important to understand how your record may affect your claim before applying.
How Injury Lawyers 4u helps prevent this
We can assess whether a conviction is likely to affect the claim, explain the risk clearly and help present the application in the strongest possible way.
4. There is insufficient or incorrect medical evidence
CICA can’t award compensation for injuries it cannot verify. This is one of the main reasons a refused decision can also become an undervaluation issue. If the evidence is weak, incomplete or inconsistent, CICA might reject the injury or place it in a lower tariff band. The scheme and official guidance make clear that medical evidence is central to assessing injury.
Why this causes refusal or undervaluation
Common issues include:
- No medical treatment recorded
- Injuries not clearly described
- Missing records or follow-up notes
- Psychological symptoms without a diagnosis
For mental health injuries, CICA generally expects evidence from a GP, psychiatrist or clinical psychologist rather than informal self-reporting alone.
How to avoid it
Follow these simple steps to help avoid refusal:
- Seek medical treatment as soon as possible after the attack
- Keep hospital records, discharge letters and prescriptions
- Make sure your symptoms are reported accurately
- For psychological injury, obtain clear clinical evidence linking the condition to the crime
How Injury Lawyers 4u can help
We review the medical evidence before submission, check whether anything is missing and obtain further reports where needed. That reduces the risk of a refusal and helps protect the value of the claim.
5. The applicant did not cooperate with the CICA investigation
CICA can refuse a claim if the applicant fails to cooperate with CICA itself or with the police investigation. This includes ignoring requests for information, failing to attend a medical examination or stepping away from the police process without a good reason. The official guidance specifically says cooperation is required.
Why this causes refusal
From CICA’s point of view, a claim cannot be decided fairly if key questions go unanswered or appointments are missed.
How to avoid it
Respond promptly to:
- Letters and emails from CICA
- Requests for documents
- Medical examination appointments
- Police follow-up enquiries
If you’re vulnerable, struggling with trauma or finding the process overwhelming, it’s important to get support early
How Injury Lawyers 4u helps prevent this
Injury Lawyers 4u manages the claim on your behalf, keeps track of CICA correspondence and helps make sure important requests are answered on time.
Top 5 reasons CICA claims are refused
Here’s a breakdown of the top five reasons CICA claims are refused:
| Reason | Why it matters | What to do next |
| 1. Crime not reported to police | CICA might not be able to verify the incident | Report it promptly and keep the crime reference number |
| 2. Application outside 2 years | Late claims are often refused unless an exception applies | Seek advice urgently on whether discretion might apply |
| 3. Unspent conviction | Can lead to a reduction or refusal depending on the sentence | Have your record assessed before applying |
| 4. Weak medical evidence | Injuries may be refused or undervalued | Gather treatment records and supporting reports |
| 5. Lack of cooperation | Missed requests can derail the claim | Respond quickly or let a solicitor handle the process |
What to do if your CICA claim was refused
A refusal isn’t always the end of the road.
You usually have the right to ask CICA for a review within 56 days of the decision. If the review is unsuccessful, you can appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal within 90 days of the review decision. The First-tier Tribunal is separate from CICA and can reconsider the case independently. 
Time limits are strict, so early advice matters. Injury Lawyers 4u can help with both stages on a no win, no fee basis and make sure the right evidence is in place before the case goes any further. Get in touch with our team to begin.
CICA claim refusal FAQs
What is the most common reason for CICA claim refusal?
The most common reason is that the incident wasn’t reported to the police, or there isn’t enough information for CICA to trace the report. Without independent confirmation of the crime, it’s difficult for CICA to assess and approve a claim.
Can I appeal a CICA refusal?
Yes, you can challenge a refusal. You will usually need to request a review within 56 days of the decision. If the outcome doesn’t change, you can normally appeal to the independent First-tier Tribunal within 90 days of the review decision.
Will a criminal record stop my CICA claim?
Not always. The key issue is whether you have a relevant unspent conviction. Some can reduce or prevent an award, but not all. Spent convictions are usually treated differently, so it’s important to understand how your individual circumstances may affect your claim.