most insurance companies provide no discount for the full licence holder for the first year. in another word, the quote for Provisional is the same with that for the first year full licence.

you can buy the insurance first. the most convenient and cheapest way is to buy on line. what is needed is the vehicle's registration number (if necessary the car's model number and engine size).

you can still buy on line. many insurance companies have this article in their terms. to ensure, you better make a call to the insurance company. but they won't be bothered to refuse insuring you because of this article.