Insurance Claims for Boarding Up in Uxbridge (UB Area)

When something goes wrong—break-in, smashed window, storm or fire damage—dealing with your insurer can feel like a second job. We can’t make a claim on your behalf, but we do provide the clear documentation and practical guidance most insurers expect after emergency boarding up in Uxbridge and the wider UB area. This page explains what we supply, how to streamline your claim, and what to expect from start to finish.

We cover all UB postcodes (UB1–UB18) and work with residential and commercial customers. If you need urgent help securing your property, please call 01895 696 176. For planned works and documentation queries, you can also email us.

What We Provide For Your Insurance Claim

You’ll receive clear, itemised documentation that aligns with what UK insurers typically request:

  • Itemised invoice with labour, materials (e.g., 18mm exterior-grade plywood, 12mm OSB), access costs, and waste removal if applicable
  • Time-stamped before-and-after photos to evidence the damage and the temporary boarding or steel security measures installed
  • Work statement describing the situation (e.g., smashed shopfront, forced door), our make-safe actions, and any immediate risks we mitigated
  • Technician details (DBS-checked), plus our trading details and public liability insurance confirmation
  • If requested, a brief cause-and-effect summary (non-structural opinion) noting visible damage patterns or forced entry signs

We are not loss adjusters or surveyors. Where structural issues are suspected, we’ll note them and advise you to consult your insurer for further assessment before remedial works.

How The Insurance Process Typically Works

Every insurer is different, but most follow a familiar pattern. Here’s what usually happens:

  1. Make safe and stop further loss

    • We attend to emergency boarding up and weatherproofing as needed.
    • Anti-tamper fixings and secure panel sizing help prevent re-entry and reduce additional damage.

  2. Notify your insurer

    • Report the incident as soon as it’s safe. Keep your policy number handy.
    • For burglary or vandalism, obtain a police reference number if you’ve contacted the police.

  3. Collect evidence

    • Take your own photos if it’s safe, including the scene, broken glazing, door frames, and any tools or debris left behind.
    • We’ll supply time-stamped photos and an itemised invoice/work statement.

  4. Submit documentation

    • Send your insurer our documents along with your own photos and any crime reference number.
    • If the insurer requests more detail, we can provide additional photo angles or a short clarifying note.

  5. Next steps and permanent repairs

    • Your insurer may appoint a contractor for permanent glazing or door replacement. Our temporary measures remain until then.
    • If a temporary steel door or steel security screens are needed for longer periods, we’ll outline options and associated costs.

What To Do Immediately After An Incident

If you’re reading this right after an incident, focus on safety and evidence:

  • If a crime is in progress or you feel unsafe, call 999. For non-urgent reporting, use 101.
  • If safe, photograph the damage before moving anything. Include close-ups and wider context.
  • Keep a list of any damaged items or areas affected (glass, frames, locks, stock).
  • Protect the property from further loss—our team can attend for emergency boarding up.
  • Contact your insurer at the earliest opportunity. Ask if they require pre-authorisation; most will accept “make safe” works immediately.
  • Retain receipts and invoices; your claim will require them.

The Documentation You’ll Receive From Us

You’ll get a clear pack by email (and printed on request):

  • Itemised invoice with labour hours, materials (e.g., plywood/OSB grade and thickness), fixings, and any access equipment
  • Statement of works describing the opening type (window, door, shopfront, roof light), panel sizing method, and fixings used
  • Photo set including the initial damage, boarding installation, and final make-safe condition
  • Attendance details with dates and times (arrival and completion) to establish the incident timeline
  • Our company details (fully insured, 10+ years trading) and technician DBS confirmation

If your insurer requests a repair estimate for permanent glazing or joinery, we can recommend next-step specialists or coordinate with your chosen contractor. We do not provide loss adjusting, valuations, or legal advice.

How We Secure Properties For Insurers’ “Make Safe” Requirements

Insurers typically expect that the property is promptly secured to prevent further loss. Our approach:

  • Windows: Cut-to-fit 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger openings; 12mm OSB may be used on smaller apertures. Fixed internally where possible to avoid external tampering.
  • Doors: Rapid door boarding or installation of a temporary steel door for medium-term protection on forced entries.
  • Shopfronts: Oversized panels with additional bracing and anti-tamper fixings to deter removal; see shopfront boarding.
  • Roof and skylights: Weatherproof roof boarding and sheeting to reduce water ingress until permanent repair.
  • Vacant properties: Where a claim involves an empty property, we can provide temporary steel doors or security screens for longer-term protection.

We’ll always explain options first. If the frame is too damaged for non-destructive methods, we’ll discuss implications and obtain your agreement before proceeding.

Common Claim Scenarios In The UB Area

  • Burglary and break-ins: Forced rear doors or smashed ground-floor windows. See our guidance on burglary repairs.
  • Vandalism: Overnight [smashed window] incidents on commercial frontages; relevant to vandalism repair.
  • Storm damage: Windborne debris or fallen branches; see storm damage.
  • Fire damage: We secure openings after the Fire Service has left; remediation is outside scope. See fire damage.
  • Flood impacts: Swollen frames and compromised locks; see flood damage.
  • Accidental impacts: Vehicle or delivery trolley strikes; see accident damage.

In each case, insurers want timely action to secure the property and evidence that further loss has been minimised.

FAQs: Insurance And Boarding Up

Do I need insurer approval before boarding up?

Usually no for emergency “make safe” work. Most policies expect you to prevent further loss. Call your insurer as soon as you can and keep all documentation.

Will my insurer cover boarding up costs in Uxbridge?

Policies vary. Many cover reasonable emergency boarding up after insured events such as burglary, vandalism, storm or fire. We provide an itemised invoice and photos to support your claim.

Can you send documents directly to my insurer or loss adjuster?

Yes, if you provide contact details and permission. We’ll also send copies to you for your records.

What if the incident is in the middle of the night?

We handle 24/7 boarding up. You’ll still get full documentation with time stamps showing an out-of-hours attendance.

I’m a landlord—can you invoice me and reference the tenant and property?

Yes. We can include landlord/agent details, tenant names, and property addresses, and supply photos for your records. See property types – residential and vacant property.

Will you provide a statement for a police or insurance investigation?

We provide factual work statements and photos. We don’t offer forensic analysis or legal opinions.

Can you quote for permanent glazing replacement?

We specialise in making safe and temporary security. We can recommend next-step contractors or coordinate with yours. Our invoice will clearly separate emergency boarding from any follow-on works.

What if I’m in UB7 or UB3—do you still cover my claim documentation the same way?

Yes. Our paperwork is consistent across UB postcodes, including UB1–UB11 and beyond. Whether you’re in UB7 or UB3, you receive the same itemised invoice, photos, and work statement.

How Our Process Works When You Call

  • Quick triage: We confirm the situation, address, and immediate risks. If urgent, we prioritise attendance and give a realistic ETA.
  • On site: We assess, photograph damage, and “make safe” with appropriate materials and fixings.
  • Handover: We walk you through what’s been secured, any remaining risks, and recommended next steps.
  • Documentation: You receive your invoice, photos, and work statement—usually the same day, often within hours.

For more on what to expect, see FAQs and our overview of what boarding up is.

When Insurers Request Specific Materials Or Methods

Some policies or loss adjusters specify thicknesses or methods. We typically use:

  • 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger spans
  • 12mm OSB for smaller apertures
  • Internal fixings where viable; anti-tamper fixings externally if internal access isn’t possible
  • Temporary steel doors where door integrity is compromised

If an adjuster asks for a variation (e.g., Sitex-style screens or additional bracing), we’ll discuss the requirement and update the scope and costs for approval before proceeding.

Limitations And Transparency

  • We do not guarantee claim acceptance—your insurer decides.
  • We cannot promise fixed attendance times; we prioritise urgent calls and give realistic ETAs based on workload and distance.
  • We don’t undertake smoke or odour remediation after fire; our role is to secure the property.
  • We are not legal advisors or loss adjusters; we provide practical documentation and evidence.

For a clear view of how costs are structured, see our honest overview of pricing.

Ready To Proceed?

If you need to secure your property now or want to discuss insurer documentation, call us. We’ll explain your options and provide what your insurer typically needs to process a claim.

Need help now? Call 01895 696 176 or email us.