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 Virginia, parents can be held liable for the intentional or willful destruction of property by their minor children under Virginia Code § 8.01-44. The statute limits parental liability to $2,500 per act. Additionally, parents may be liable for their child's negligent acts if the parents failed to supervise the child properly (negligent supervision) or if they negligently entrusted their child with an instrumentality, such as a vehicle or firearm, that could foreseeably cause harm (negligent entrustment). The concept of negligent entrustment is recognized in Virginia common law, and parents could be held liable if their failure to exercise proper care in entrusting an item to their child results in injury or damage. It's important to note that these laws are subject to change, and the specific circumstances of each case can affect the application of these laws.