If a policyholder consents to the transfer pursuant to § 27-53.1-5, or if the transfer is effected under § 27-53.1-7, there shall be a novation of the contract of insurance subject to the assumption reinsurance agreement with the result that the transferring insurer shall be relieved of all insurance obligations or risks, or both, transferred under the assumption reinsurance agreement, and the assuming insurer shall become directly and solely liable to the policyholder for those insurance obligations or risks or both.