Insurance Claims for Boarding Up in Medway

If you’ve had a break-in, storm damage or a smashed shopfront, dealing with insurers can feel daunting. We make the boarding-up part straightforward and provide the documentation your insurer typically asks for. We operate across Medway—ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8—with 10+ years’ experience, fully insured and DBS-checked technicians.

This page explains how insurance claims usually work for boarding up, what we supply, and how to avoid common pitfalls. For urgent situations, please prioritise safety and call us. Need help now? Call 01634 980 080.

What We Do for Insurance Claims

We secure the property and provide clear, insurer-friendly records. You’ll receive:

  • Time-stamped before/after photos of damage and the boarding work
  • An itemised invoice with address, postcode, date/time of attendance, materials and labour
  • A work statement describing cause noted on arrival (e.g., attempted burglary, storm impact), actions taken, and any recommendations
  • Technician details (DBS-checked) and our company insurance details on request
  • If needed, a brief witness statement about the condition we found on arrival

We’re not loss adjusters or legal advisors, but our documentation is designed to support claims with major UK insurers.

If you’re comparing options for specific work, see:

How the Claims Process Usually Works

Every insurer is different, but most follow a similar path:

  1. Make safe first

    • If there’s a smashed window or forced door, call us to make the property safe.
    • If a crime is suspected, also report it to the police and keep your reference (CAD/Crime Ref).

  2. Notify your insurer early

    • Call your insurer to report the incident. Note the claim number and any excess.

  3. Evidence and documentation

    • Take your own photos if safe before we start.
    • We’ll take time-stamped photos and supply an itemised invoice and work statement.

  4. Settlement route

    • Some insurers pay you directly (you then pay us).
    • Others pay us if we’re authorised; we can accept insurer purchase orders where arranged in advance.

  5. Follow-on repairs

    • Boarding up is temporary. Your insurer may arrange glazing/joinery; or you may choose your own contractor.
    • We can return to remove boards when permanent repairs are scheduled.

Tip: Keep all paperwork together—crime reference, our invoice, photos, and any correspondence with your insurer.

What We Provide on the Day

When we attend your property in ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 or ME8:

  • Assessment: We evaluate frames, lintels, door sets and glazing to choose a secure method.
  • Materials: Typically 18mm exterior-grade plywood for larger openings; 12mm OSB may be used on smaller domestic panes. We use anti-tamper fixings where outside access is possible.
  • Method: Non-destructive fixing where practicable. If frames are too damaged, we’ll explain options first.
  • Weatherproofing: We seal external boards to reduce water ingress and draughts.
  • Access: For doors, we can fit a temporary steel door where needed for safe access. For shops, we can board to the ground with anti-tamper fixings to discourage removal.
  • Handover: Photos, itemised invoice, and a brief work statement emailed to you (and your insurer, if requested).

Explore how our methods differ by situation:

Costs, Excesses and Payment Options

  • We’re transparent about cost factors on our pricing page. We don’t list fixed prices because openings, access and time of day vary.
  • Many policies cover emergency boarding up. Your excess, policy limits and exclusions apply.
  • Payment routes:
    • You pay us directly and reclaim from your insurer.
    • We invoice your insurer if they authorise us in writing or issue a purchase order.
  • We provide VAT invoices where applicable.
  • For businesses needing RAMS or PO numbers, we can accommodate—please tell us when you call.

What Insurers Typically Expect

  • Prompt action to secure the property (to prevent further loss)
  • Clear evidence of damage and the make-safe works
  • Reasonable, necessary materials (e.g., 18mm exterior plywood for shopfronts)
  • Anti-tamper fixings where the public could remove boards
  • Temporary solution pending permanent repair

Our documentation is designed around these expectations to help smooth your claim.

Scenarios and How We Document Them

  • Burglary/attempted burglary: Photos of forced points, tool marks on frames, damaged beads/locks; statement referencing police incident number where provided.
  • Vandalism/smashed window: Images showing impact area, internal glass spread; note on hazard removal and temporary boarding dimensions.
  • Storm damage: Exterior shots indicating wind/fall impact, any compromised rooflights; notes on weatherproofing measures.
  • Fire damage: Confirmation of fire brigade handover, hot zones avoided; focus on perimeter security and restricted access.
  • Vehicle strike/accident: Wider context photos, structural caution notes; liaison with structural engineer if directed by insurer or property manager.

Common Questions About Insurance and Boarding Up

Is boarding up covered by home or business insurance in Medway?

Often yes, when it’s necessary to secure the property after insured events like burglary, vandalism, storm or fire. Your policy excess and terms apply—call your insurer for confirmation. We’ll provide an itemised invoice and photos to support your claim.

Can you invoice my insurer directly?

Yes, if your insurer confirms in writing and supplies an authorisation or PO. Otherwise, most clients pay us and claim back. We’ll help by sending documents straight to your claims handler if you share their email.

What documents will I need for my claim?

Typically: our itemised invoice, time-stamped photos, a brief work statement, and your police reference if crime-related. Keep any CCTV stills or witness notes too. See our dedicated guidance here: insurance claims support.

How quickly can you attend across ME1–ME8?

Attendance varies by time of day and workload. We prioritise urgent calls and give a realistic ETA on the phone. For emergencies, use our 24/7 boarding up service.

Will boarding up affect my future repairs?

No—our non-destructive methods are chosen to avoid further damage. If a frame is too compromised for gentle methods, we’ll explain options and note them for your insurer.

Do you provide photos and receipts that insurers accept?

Yes—clear, time-stamped photos; itemised invoices; and concise work statements. These are the documents claims handlers commonly request.

My shopfront is smashed—what should I do right now?

Stay clear of broken glass, call the police if it’s a crime, then call us to secure the shopfront. Move valuables away from the opening and take photos if safe. We’ll arrive with large panels and anti-tamper fixings to deter removal.

Can a landlord or managing agent authorise the boarding up in Medway?

Yes. We regularly work with landlords, agents and FM teams across Medway. We can take instructions, provide RAMS where required, and invoice per property or portfolio. See property types we cover.

Practical Tips Before and After We Arrive

  • Safety first: Keep people away from broken glass and unstable frames.
  • Take quick photos if it’s safe—wide and close-up.
  • Note times: when the incident was discovered, when you called the police/insurer/us.
  • Keep your crime reference/incident number handy.
  • Gather policy details for the claims call (policy number, named insured, address).
  • For businesses, have a PO number ready if your insurer or head office requires it.

Our Service Area and Credentials

We cover Medway’s ME1, ME2, ME3, ME4, ME5, ME7 and ME8 districts for homes, shops, offices and vacant properties. We’re fully insured, have 10+ years trading locally, and all technicians are DBS-checked. See what customers say on our reviews page, or learn more about boarding up generally at what is boarding up.

Next Steps

Need help now? Call 01634 980 080 for immediate assistance.