Parents are generally responsible for (have liability for) intentional, willful, and malicious property damage done by their minor child. Parents may also be liable for the negligent acts of their minor child if the parents were (1) negligent in supervising the child (negligent supervision), or (2) negligent in entrusting the use of a car, gun, boat, motorcycle, or other item (often called an instrumentality) to the child (negligent entrustment).

These parental liability laws vary from state to state; often include age and monetary limits; and may be included in your state’s statutes—often in the family code.

In Indiana, parents can be held liable for the intentional, willful, or malicious acts of property damage caused by their minor children. Indiana law, specifically under Indiana Code 34-31-4-1, sets forth that parents or legal guardians are responsible for the supervision of a child and may be held liable for the child's actions that result in property damage. The statute typically limits the liability to a certain monetary amount. Additionally, parents may be liable for negligent supervision if it can be shown that they failed to exercise reasonable care in supervising their child, which led to the damage. Furthermore, under the doctrine of negligent entrustment, parents in Indiana could be held liable if they negligently allow their minor child to use an instrumentality, such as a vehicle or firearm, and the child causes damage or injury. It's important to note that these laws are subject to specific conditions and limitations, which may include the age of the child and the amount of damages.