Even if your car didn’t roll off the assembly line with the latest built-in connected technology, you can still add valuable safety, diagnostic, and convenience features. Hum by Verizon is a connected car system designed to bring these capabilities to a wide range of vehicles, offering peace of mind and greater awareness for drivers and their families.
This guide explores what hum by Verizon is, its key features, how it works, and who might benefit from adding this technology to their car.
What is Hum by Verizon?
Hum by Verizon is a subscription-based service paired with easy-to-install hardware that transforms your compatible vehicle into a connected car. Its primary goal is to enhance driver safety and vehicle wellness by providing features like automatic crash response, roadside assistance, vehicle diagnostics, location tracking, and more, all accessible through a dedicated mobile app.
How Does Hum by Verizon Work? (The Hardware)
The hum by Verizon system typically consists of a few key components:
- OBD-II Reader: This small device plugs directly into your car’s On-Board Diagnostics II (OBD-II) port. This port is standard on most gasoline vehicles manufactured since 1996 and is usually located under the dashboard near the steering column. The reader collects data directly from your car’s computer systems.
- Speaker/Bluetooth Unit: This component often clips onto your car’s visor or sometimes plugs into the 12V power outlet (cigarette lighter). It includes:
- A speaker and microphone for hands-free communication with emergency services or the mechanics hotline.
- A button to manually initiate calls for emergency assistance or roadside help.
- Bluetooth connectivity to sync with your smartphone and the Hum mobile app.
- Its own cellular connection (covered by the subscription) to communicate with the Hum service center, even if your phone isn’t present or working.
- Hum Mobile App: Available for iOS and Android smartphones, the app serves as your control center. It displays vehicle diagnostics, location information, driving history, maintenance reminders, and allows you to manage your account and settings.
These components work together, using the OBD-II reader to gather vehicle data and the speaker unit’s cellular connection to communicate with Hum’s services and your smartphone app.
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Key Features of Hum by Verizon
Hum by Verizon offers a suite of features focused on safety and vehicle health:
- Vehicle Diagnostics: Translates cryptic check engine lights into understandable terms, monitors key vehicle systems, and alerts you to potential issues often before they become major problems.
- Maintenance Reminders: Tracks your mileage and sends reminders for routine maintenance like oil changes based on your vehicle’s schedule.
- Crash Response: Uses built-in sensors to detect if a crash has occurred. If a collision is detected, it can automatically connect you to a trained emergency response agent who can assess the situation and dispatch emergency services to your location if needed.
- 24/7 Roadside Assistance: Provides help for common roadside events, such as flat tires, dead batteries, running out of fuel, lockouts, and towing (service limits and details are typically based on a partnership, often with Signature Motor Club – check terms for specifics).
- Stolen Vehicle Assistance: If your car is reported stolen, hum by Verizon can provide its location information to law enforcement to aid in recovery (requires a filed police report).
- Location Tracking & Alerts: View your car’s real-time location via the mobile app. Set up boundary alerts (geofencing) to get notified if the car enters or leaves a specific area, and set speed alerts – features often popular with parents of teen drivers.
- Parking Assistance: Helps you locate your parked car using the app.
- Mechanics Hotline (Often included in premium tiers): Connects you with ASE-certified mechanics for unbiased advice on repairs and estimates.
- Driving History: Provides insights into driving habits, such as trip duration, distance, idle time, and hard braking or acceleration events.
Hum by Verizon Plans and Subscription
Hum by Verizon operates on a subscription model:
- Hardware Purchase: You typically need to purchase the Hum hardware kit upfront.
- Monthly Subscription Fee: A recurring monthly fee is required to activate and maintain the connected services (diagnostics, emergency response, roadside assistance, cellular connection for the device, etc.). Verizon may offer different subscription tiers (like Hum+ or HumX) with varying levels of features and potentially different hardware (e.g., HumX might include a Wi-Fi hotspot capability).
Check the official Hum or Verizon website for current hardware costs and monthly subscription fees for the available plans.
Target Audience: Who is Hum by Verizon For?
This system is particularly beneficial for:
- Owners of Older Vehicles: Adds modern connected safety and diagnostic features to cars lacking built-in systems like OnStar or similar services.
- Parents of Teen Drivers: Provides valuable tools for monitoring location, speed, and driving habits, enhancing peace of mind.
- Safety-Conscious Drivers: Offers reassurance with automatic crash detection and readily available roadside assistance.
- Individuals Seeking Vehicle Insights: Helps users stay on top of maintenance and understand potential car troubles indicated by the check engine light.
- Commuters or Frequent Travelers: Roadside assistance provides a safety net for unexpected breakdowns.
Getting Started with Hum by Verizon
- Check Compatibility: Ensure your vehicle is compatible (most gasoline cars model year 1996 or newer with an accessible OBD-II port). Check Hum’s website for specific compatibility details.
- Purchase Hardware: Buy the Hum device kit online through Verizon/Hum or potentially at retail partners.
- Activate Subscription: Sign up for the monthly service plan associated with your Hum device.
- Install Hardware: Plug the OBD-II reader into the port and place/plug in the speaker unit according to instructions.
- Download & Set Up App: Download the hum by Verizon mobile app and follow the steps to pair it with your hardware and configure your account.
Important Considerations
- Cellular Service: The Hum device has its own cellular connection managed by Verizon and included in the subscription fee; it doesn’t rely solely on your phone’s connection for emergency features.
- Subscription Cost: Remember to factor the ongoing monthly service fee into the overall cost.
- Data Privacy: Be aware of the type of data collected (location, driving habits, diagnostics) and review Hum’s privacy policy.
- Roadside Assistance Limits: Understand the specific limits and terms of the included roadside assistance (e.g., towing distance, number of service calls per year).
Conclusion: Adding Connectivity and Peace of Mind
Hum by Verizon offers a comprehensive solution for bringing valuable connected car features to vehicles that lack them. By combining easy-to-install hardware with a subscription service, it provides automatic crash response, vehicle diagnostics, roadside assistance, location tracking, and more. For owners of compatible vehicles, especially older models or those driven by new drivers, hum by Verizon can deliver significant peace of mind and enhanced safety on the road. If you’re looking to make your drive smarter and safer, exploring the features and plans of hum by Verizon is worth considering.
