In the context of vicarious liability, who is primarily responsible for the actions of an employee?

In the context of vicarious liability, the parent is primarily responsible for the actions of an employee in situations where the employee is a minor or under the authority of a parent or guardian. This principle holds that a parent can be held liable for the negligent or wrongful acts of their child when those acts occur during the performance of duties or in situations related to supervision by the parent.

In a broader context, businesses and organizations are typically liable for the actions of their employees while those employees are working within the scope of their duties. This reflects the idea that employers should take responsibility for the conduct of their employees, but in this specific question's context, the focus on the parent suggests an interpretation centered on minors.

The other options, while relevant to discussions around liability, do not directly connect to vicarious liability in the same way. An employee is personally responsible for their own actions, the insurance company provides coverage rather than assuming liability, and the government may hold responsibilities under certain regulations but does not directly relate to vicarious liability in the context of employer-employee relationships. Therefore, the emphasis on parental responsibility in vicarious liability situations makes the choice of the parent the correct answer in this context.