Issues re: storage of non-aeronautical vehicles in t-hangars

[jlawson <jlawson@xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx>]

To all:  I'd like to revisit the subject from the standpoint of insurance.

Our lease allows storage of one car and one boat along with an aircraft 
in a tenant's hangar.  Our hangarkeeper's insurance covers us in case we 
have to pay a claim regarding the aircraft.  However, neither our 
hangarkeeper's nor township building insurance policies cover the 
non-aeronautical vehicles.  I am then presuming that one of several 
options exist from there:

1) buy insurance coverage, similar to hangarkeeper's, on the 
non-aircraft items.
2) require tenants to buy coverage. (would a tenant's car insurance 
cover their vehicles?  would their homeowner's policy cover other items 
such as boats, personal watercraft, etc?).
3) self-insure (i.e., pay any claims/losses out of pocket).
4) require tenants to sign a "hold harmless" agreement, release from 
liability, or similar document.  (I've consulted our Township attorney 
about this.  He said that such a document could be written to protect us 
from from everything except for "gross negligence"). 

I'd like to hear from other airports that have dealt with this.  Are 
there any other options?  Is it enough of a risk exposure to worry 
about, and if so, what have you done?  Have any airports experienced any 
losses from this exposure, either by having to pay a claim or by having 
to expend $$ to make a defense against a claim?  

Cheers,
John Lawson, A.A.E.
Airport Manager
Grosse Ile Municipal Airport

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