§33-26-18. Stay of proceedings; reopening of default judgments.

(a) All proceedings in which the insolvent insurer is a party or obligated to defend a party in any court in this state shall, subject to waiver by the association in specific cases involving covered claims, be stayed for six months and such additional time as may be determined by the court from the date the insolvency is determined to permit proper defense by the association of all pending causes of action.

(b) The liquidator, receiver or statutory successor of an insolvent insurer covered by this article shall permit access by the association, or its authorized representative to such of the insolvent insurer’s records that are necessary for the association in carrying out its functions under this article with regard to covered claims. In addition, the liquidator, receiver or statutory successor shall provide the association or its representative with copies of such records upon the request by the association and at the expense of the association.

(c) As to any covered claims arising from a judgment under any order, decision, verdict or finding based on the default of the insolvent insurer or its wrongful failure to defend an insured, the association either on its own behalf or on behalf of such insured may apply to have such judgment, order, decision, verdict or finding set aside by the same court or administrator that made such judgment, order, decision, verdict or finding and shall be permitted to defend against such claim on the merits.