Strange how many different takes there are on this issue. Obviously states regulate insurance practices differently, but still... My broker said that any claim will be entered into ChoicePoint. Even a "free" windshield replacement is a ding on the CP record. Since all insurers participate in CP, when it comes time for renewal, or if you're shopping for a new provider, they all refer to the same database. That means they see ALL claims. How they allow those claims to affect your risk premium is probably dependent on the particular company's underwriting standards - but the claim is visible. What my agent says is that anytime there is a renewal those claims count.
As an example, my father backed out of his garage and hit the car of a visiting guest. His insurance covered the damage. All parties were made whole, and they put it behind them. Fast forward a year, and it's time for MY auto renewal. I receive notice from my insurer that I didn't receive the best rate possible because of recent claim activity. I contacted my agent to determine what happend. She explained to me how ChoicePoint works, and even forwarded a copy of my CP record - something she insisted I not share with anyone - since agents are strictly forbidden to disclose any info from the database, never mind that CP even exists.
I read the claims history, and surprise, surprise, I got dinged for my father's accident. Why? Because his home address (where the accident happened) was listed as one of my previous addresses FROM 20 YEARS AGO! I got penalized for something that had NOTHING to do with me. And, because I was not allowed to have access to my CP record, I had no way to contest it. Unlike credit reports, where consumers can contest inaccurate data with the three credit reporting agencies, Lexis Nexis (ChoicePoint) is NOT regulated and functions privately.
So, regardless of who your insurer is, or what their underwriting standards may be, just realize that when you file a claim, it will be entered in your CP record. Come renewal, you may (or may not) be penalized for it. To me, the risk that it may bite me now or later is simply not worth blemishing my record. Just my $0.02.