What is the main purpose of compulsory auto insurance laws?

The main purpose of compulsory auto insurance laws is indeed to make it illegal to operate a vehicle without certain kinds of auto insurance. These laws are designed to ensure that all drivers have at least a minimum level of financial responsibility in the event of an accident. This approach helps create a safety net for all road users, as it ensures that drivers can cover the costs of damage or injury they may cause while driving.

By requiring drivers to have insurance, the law aims to protect the public by ensuring that victims of accidents are compensated for their losses, and it discourages reckless driving behavior since drivers are held accountable for their actions on the road.

While the other options touch on important aspects of the impact of insurance (like protecting against compulsive drivers and compensating for loss of vehicle use), they do not capture the primary legal intent of mandatory auto insurance—namely, to ensure that drivers are financially covered and legally responsible.