As used in this article, the following words and phrases shall have the meanings given to them in this section:

“Affiliated insurer.” An insurer that is an affiliate as defined in section 1401.¹

“Commissioner.” The Insurance Commissioner of this Commonwealth.

“Insurer.” An insurance company, association or exchange authorized to transact the business of automobile insurance in this Commonwealth.

“Nonpayment of premium.” Failure of the named insured to discharge when due any obligation in connection with the payment of premiums on a policy or any installment of such premium, whether the premium is payable directly to the insurer or its agent or indirectly under any premium finance plan or extension or credit.

“Policy of automobile insurance” or “policy.” A policy delivered or issued for delivery in this Commonwealth insuring a natural person as named insured or one or more related individuals resident of the same household and under which the insured vehicles therein designated are of the following types only:

(i) a motor vehicle of the private passenger or station wagon type that is not used as a public or livery conveyance for passengers and is not rented to others; or

(ii) any other four-wheel motor vehicle with a gross weight not exceeding nine thousand pounds which is not principally used in the occupation, profession or business of the insured other than farming.

“Renewal” or “to renew.” To issue and deliver at the end of an insurance policy period a policy which supersedes a policy previously issued and delivered by the same insurer or affiliated insurer and which provides types and limits of coverage at least equal to those contained in the policy being superseded, or to issue and deliver a certificate or notice extending the term of a policy beyond its policy period or term with types and limits of coverage at least equal to those contained in the policy being extended: Provided, however, That any policy with a policy period or term of less than twelve (12) months or any period with no fixed expiration date shall for the purpose of this article be considered as if written for successive policy periods or terms of twelve (12) months.