Insurance Claims Support for Boarding Up in West London (W2–W14)

If you’ve had a break-in, vandalism, storm damage or a fire and the property is left exposed, the priority is to make it safe and secure. We provide boarding up West London clients can use as a straightforward first step while you start your insurance claim—and we’ll give you the documentation insurers typically ask for.

We’re not loss adjusters and we can’t tell you what your policy will cover. What we can do is secure the opening properly, minimise further damage, and provide clear, itemised paperwork and photos to support your claim.

Need urgent help right now? Use our emergency boarding up service or Call 020 4634 8072.

What we can provide (and what we can’t)

Insurance claims can be stressful, especially when you’re dealing with a damaged door or a smashed window on top of everything else. Here’s how we fit into the process.

What we can provide for your insurer

  • Itemised invoice showing materials and labour (e.g., 18mm exterior-grade plywood, anti-tamper fixings, temporary steel door where needed)
  • Work statement describing what was secured and why (useful when “mitigating further loss” is a policy requirement)
  • Time-stamped photos before and after boarding up (where safe and possible)
  • Site notes on access, hazards and any limitations (for example, if frames are too compromised for non-destructive fixing)

What we can’t do

  • We don’t decide policy coverage or approve claims.
  • We don’t act as loss adjusters or legal advisors.
  • We don’t carry out full repairs like glazing replacement, locksmithing, plastering or fire/soot remediation (our role is to secure and protect).

If you’re unsure what your insurer wants from you, we can help you understand what documentation we can supply—but your insurer will always have the final say.

When boarding up is relevant to insurance

Boarding up often falls under emergency or temporary works—especially when it prevents further loss (like weather ingress, repeat break-ins, or public liability risk).

Common scenarios we see across West London W postcodes include:

For residential properties (flats, terraces, mansion blocks) and commercial units alike, the goal is the same: secure the site fast and document what was done.

What to do first if you’re planning to claim

If it’s safe, a few steps can make the claims process smoother.

  1. Make the property safe

    • If there’s an active threat or crime in progress, call 999.
    • If the site is exposed, arrange temporary security (boarding up / temporary door).

  2. Report the incident

    • Burglary/vandalism: get a crime reference number.
    • Accidents impacting a building: get the incident details and any attending authority reference.

  3. Take photos (only if safe)

    • Wide shots showing the opening and any surrounding damage.
    • Close-ups of locks, frames, and the point of entry/impact.

  4. Contact your insurer early

    • Ask whether they want you to use their contractor or if you can instruct your own.
    • Ask what documentation they need (invoice format, photos, work description).

  5. Call us to secure the opening

If you’re a landlord or managing agent, it also helps to confirm who will meet us on-site and who should receive the paperwork. Our FAQs cover practical questions about access and what to expect.

What insurers typically expect from “mitigation” works

Many policies include conditions requiring reasonable steps to prevent additional damage after an incident. Boarding up is often a practical example of that, but it still needs to be done properly.

We focus on:

  • Secure fixing methods to reduce the risk of boards being removed from outside (anti-tamper fixings where appropriate)
  • Correct material selection for the opening size and risk level (commonly 18mm exterior-grade plywood; OSB may be suitable for smaller, lower-risk openings)
  • Weather resistance where exposure is an issue (especially after storm damage or fire service entry)
  • Clear documentation to show what was done and why

If a frame is too damaged to fix into safely, we’ll talk you through options before proceeding—sometimes a temporary steel door or security screen is the safer route for medium-term protection.

Learn more about the methods on what is boarding up?

The paperwork you’ll receive from us

To help you deal with your insurer (and to keep your own records), we can supply:

  • Invoice (itemised)
  • Work description (what was secured, material used, method of fixing)
  • Before/after photos (time-stamped where possible)
  • Date of attendance and site address details

If you need the invoice addressed to a managing agent, freeholder, or facilities management company, tell us when you book in.

For cost-related questions, see boarding up pricing (we don’t publish fixed prices because openings, access, height and risk vary).

How we approach claim-friendly boarding up (our process)

We’ve boarded up everything from ground-floor sash windows to damaged shopfronts along busy routes. The process is practical and consistent:

  1. Triage on the phone

    • What’s been damaged (window/door/shopfront/rooflight)?
    • Is anyone on site? Is the property vacant?
    • Any immediate hazards (loose glass, structural concerns, fire damage)?

  2. On-site assessment

    • We check the condition of the frame, surrounding masonry, and any remaining glazing.
    • We’ll advise if boarding is straightforward or if another temporary solution is safer.

  3. Install the security

    • For windows: boards cut to size, fixed securely with appropriate fixings.
    • For doors: boarding may be possible, but if the door is compromised we may recommend door boarding or a temporary steel door for stronger security.
    • For shops: larger spans often need stronger bracing and robust fixing, covered under shopfront boarding.
    • For roof openings: safe access planning is key—see roof boarding.

  4. Document the work

    • Photos and notes for your records/insurer.
    • Invoice and work statement issued promptly.

If you’re handling multiple properties, our commercial boarding up and vacant property securing pages explain options that insurers often prefer for longer periods.

Common claim scenarios in West London (W2–W14)

West London has a mix of housing stock and commercial property that affects what “temporary works” look like in practice:

  • Period terraces and mansion blocks (Bayswater, Maida Vale, Notting Hill): tall windows, timber frames, restricted access and communal areas.
  • Busy retail and restaurant frontages (Oxford Street edges, Shepherd’s Bush, Hammersmith): high footfall means you may need rapid, neat securing to reduce liability risk.
  • Mixed-use parades and back-of-house service yards (Acton, Ealing, West Kensington): shuttered rear access doors and side windows are common weak points after a break-in.

If you’re not sure what service applies, start with boarding up services in West London or browse situations we handle.

FAQs: insurance claims and boarding up

Will my insurance cover boarding up?

It depends on your policy wording and the incident type. Many policies allow for emergency or temporary works to prevent further damage, but you should confirm with your insurer. We’ll provide an itemised invoice and work description to support your claim.

Do you work directly with insurers?

We can provide documents insurers typically request and we can send copies to you or your representative. We don’t negotiate the claim or make coverage decisions—your insurer or loss adjuster will handle that.

What information should I give you for the paperwork?

The property address, your preferred billing name (owner/tenant/agent/company), and a brief description of the incident (burglary, storm, vandalism, etc.). If you have a crime reference number, include it for your own recordkeeping (we can note it on the job details if requested).

Should I take photos before you board up?

Yes—if it’s safe. Quick photos of the damage and surrounding area can help your claim. If you can’t, we can usually take before/after photos during the job.

Can you secure a property for longer while the claim is ongoing?

Yes. If glazing or doors will take time to replace, we can advise on stronger temporary options such as temporary steel doors or security screens, especially for vacant properties.

Get documentation-ready boarding up for your claim

If your property is exposed, don’t leave it vulnerable while you wait for next steps from an insurer.

Ready to get started? Call 020 4634 8072 or email us for a free, no-obligation quote.