When we claimed a few years ago it didn't effect our no claims but the cunts still put the premium up the following year because of it. I'll never claim for a windscreen again. When I got a chip in the screen of my 330d I got a local independent guy who was recommended to me by a mate to come round and try and repair it. It was a bloody big chip and he did say that all the big companies wouldn't even bother trying to repair it and just bung a new screen in at a ridiculous price. Anyway, for around £45-£50 he had a go and considering how bad it was he did a good enough job to make it safe and pass an mot. He did tell me though that if I decided I did want a new screen that he could get one for around £170 I think including the rain and light sensor thingy that mounts behind the rear view mirror. He also told me how certain manufactures and big windscreen companies put ridiculous mark ups on screens when they all come from pretty much the same place. He said he had a customer with an Aston Martin I think it was, and he needed a new screen. Aston wanted something ridiculous like 3K or maybe even more (can't quite remember). He fitted exactly the same screen for a few hundred quid.
For the sake of a couple hundred quid I for one wont ever claim on my insurance again for a screen. Oh and incidentally the repair that I had is still spot on. It was never perfect but it was plenty good enough and it hasn't got worse in the year or so since I had it done.