Insurance

I would like a job with a local courier driving his 15 ton Daf. He’d be happy to help towards the cost of a Class 2 licence as I currently only hold a 7.5 ton licence and only have a few months driving experience in these. (I am 54). Trouble is, his insurance have said as I’m a new driver they’d be charging him an extra £3k. Is that a competitive quote or can anyone suggest an insurer that would be cheaper?
Cheers for your help!