Is it possible to disable Replace mode in vim?

Question

Put simply, how can I completely disable Replace mode in vim? I never use Replace mode, but I sometimes end up in it by accident when re-entering Insert Mode. Naturally, I goof up by typing over a few characters before realizing I am in replace mode. So, is there any way to completely disable Replace mode, whether through configuration setup or however?

Answer 1

You cannot disable replace mode, but you can make autocommands which will change Replace and Virtual Replace modes back to Insert mode:

function s:ForbidReplace()
    if v:insertmode isnot# 'i'
        call feedkeys("\<Insert>", "n")
    endif
endfunction
augroup ForbidReplaceMode
    autocmd!
    autocmd InsertEnter  * call s:ForbidReplace()
    autocmd InsertChange * call s:ForbidReplace()
augroup END