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 New York, parents can be held liable for the willful, intentional, or malicious actions of their minor children that result in property damage, under the New York General Obligations Law § 3-112. This statute limits parental liability to a maximum of $5,000 for the actual damages of each tort committed by the minor child. Regarding negligent supervision, parents in New York may be held liable if it can be proven that they failed to exercise reasonable care in supervising their child, and this failure directly resulted in the harm or damage. As for negligent entrustment, parents may be liable if they negligently provide their child with an instrumentality, such as a vehicle or firearm, and the child causes damage or injury with it. It's important to note that these laws are subject to interpretation by courts, and the specific circumstances of each case can significantly affect the outcome.