A federal parliamentary inquiry into small business insurance will table its recommendations in late February after a four-month extension to its reporting timetable.

The inquiry, referred in October last year, has received more than 100 submissions and held six days of hearings across Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Melbourne.

The inquiry committee was expected to report today but says it has extended the date “to allow further time for consideration of the evidence received”.

It now intends to table its final report by February 26.

The terms of reference cover the provision, regulation and pricing of insurance products for small businesses and non-profit and community organisations.

Focus areas have included the affordability and availability of cover in regional and remote Australia and for high-risk industries, plus current laws and regulations.

Groups appearing have included insurers, brokers, lawyers, consumer and business organisations, and representatives from the entertainment, music, tourism, outdoor, plumbing and tattoo sectors.