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 South Carolina, parents can be held liable for the willful, malicious, or intentional acts of property damage caused by their minor children. The state's parental liability laws stipulate that parents may be responsible for up to $5,000 in property damages. Additionally, parents can be held liable for negligent supervision if it can be proven that they failed to exercise reasonable care in supervising their child, which resulted in damage or injury. Furthermore, parents may face liability under the doctrine of negligent entrustment if they provide their child with an instrumentality, such as a vehicle or firearm, and the child causes damage or injury due to their incompetence or irresponsibility in handling the item. It's important to note that these laws are subject to specific conditions and limitations, and the exact application can vary depending on the circumstances of each case.