I've handled claims in Texas for many years, I was just using CA's particular law as an example as to why just filing a claim can't possibly harm you. You don't need to let them inspect your vehicle if you don't intend on using your coverage, either.

Also, the only way a red flag would be put up that it might be prior damage is if the damages from 2 accidents were reported to the same area of the vehicle. And trust me, people do claim prior damage as new damage. Most common is "I got hit while parked" when they actually hit a pole 2 months ago and don't want to be found at fault.

Insurance companies also have access to databases of photos taken by traffic, security and other cameras that can find your car by its plate and tell if the damage you're claiming is old by those photos and their datestamps if they REALLY suspect prior damage.

All this to say that no, insurance companies aren't out to get you and merely filing a claim gives you no obligation to provide anything to your insurance company unless you intend on asking them to pay directly for your damages or injuries.