The second largest purchase that most people will make in their lifetime is the purchase of a new vehicle. This falls directly behind purchasing and wning a house. The main difference is that statistics show that whilst people might change their house two or three times in a lifetime, the same owner will change vehicles at least ten times if not closer to twenty.

The law requires that every car on the road fall under basic or compulsory insurance. The law requires this insurance in the event of an accident where you are at fault with other vehicles. Your insurance will cover the damages done to other vehicles in the accident. The insurance will not cover your vehicle because you were responsible.

Most people are aware of this and cannot afford to pay for the high car repair costs or for a new vehicle if the old one is damaged.

Buying a car for the first time is a big step in a man or woman's life. However it also comes with some risk and more expenses.

Of course you do not. But people will refer to you as stupid if you go out, are involved in an accident, and now have no means to cover the damages. Now you are walking or biking to work.

However, if you have the common sense to take out comprehensive coverage, your vehicle is protected under several forms of damage and even theft.

Insurance premiums are not extortionate; instead they are calculated on an annual basis and should run at about 6% of the replacement value of your car.

For someone like you who is buying their first car and contemplating the fact that their comprehensive car insurance policy seems like a lot of money, then it's important to realize that you have no choice. Insurance providers look at the value of the car as well as the age and experience to calculate insurance premiums.

Comprehensive car insurance will cover anything from accidents where you are at fault, to accidents where no one but yourself was involved, or cases of theft. It's very important to cover yourself from damages incurred via theft.

Not taking out comprehensive insurance is a disaster waiting to happen. If you really have any wits, you will understand the small annual insurance premium is well worth the expense.

Graham McKenzie is the content Syndication Manager at Insurance123.co.za South Africans leading car insurance information portal