All proceedings in which the insolvent insurer is a party or is obligated to defend a party in any court in this State shall be stayed for up to six months and such additional time thereafter as may be determined by the court from the date on which the insolvency is declared or an ancillary proceeding is instituted in the State, whichever is later, to permit proper defense by the Association of all pending causes of action. As to any covered claims arising from a judgment under any decision, verdict, or finding based on the default of the insolvent insurer or its 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. (Added 1969, No. 279 (Adj. Sess.), § 17; amended 1979, No. 18, § 17.)