"How Much is Hum by Verizon?" is a question many drivers, especially those with older vehicles, ask when looking for ways to add modern connectivity and safety features to their cars. If you're one of them, you've come to the right place! This comprehensive guide will break down the costs, features, and everything you need to know about Hum by Verizon.
Important Note for Users in India: While Hum by Verizon is a prominent connected car solution offered by Verizon, a major telecommunications company in the United States, it is primarily designed and marketed for the US market. As of my last update, there's no indication that Hum by Verizon is officially available or supported in India. The information provided below pertains to its availability and pricing in the United States. If you are in India, you would need to explore alternative local connected car solutions.
Let's dive into understanding Hum by Verizon for those in regions where it's available.
Understanding Hum by Verizon: What Exactly Is It?
Before we talk about the price, let's understand what Hum by Verizon actually offers. It's an all-in-one connected car system designed to make driving safer and more convenient. It essentially "smarts up" your older vehicle by providing features typically found in newer cars.
Hum consists of two main hardware components:
OBD II Reader: This small device plugs into your car's On-Board Diagnostics (OBD-II) port, which is standard in most vehicles manufactured after 1996. It collects data about your car's health and performance.
Bluetooth-enabled Speaker: This unit typically clips to your sun visor and allows for hands-free communication, emergency calls, and interaction with the system.
These devices work in conjunction with a smartphone app (available for iOS and Android) to provide a suite of features.
Hum by Verizon: Pricing Tiers and What They Include
Verizon offers different tiers for Hum, each with varying features and costs. The pricing generally involves both a device purchase and a monthly subscription fee.
Step 1: Discovering the Hum Versions Available
Are you looking for basic car diagnostics and safety, or do you want the full connected experience with in-car Wi-Fi? Verizon generally offers two main versions: Hum+ and HumX.
Hum+: This is the more basic option, focusing on core safety and diagnostic features.
HumX: This is the premium version, including all Hum+ features and adding advanced connectivity like an in-car Wi-Fi hotspot.
Step 2: Breaking Down the Device Costs
When you purchase Hum, you'll typically have an initial device cost. This might be a one-time payment or an installment plan.
Hum+ (Gen 2): The device cost for Hum+ is usually around $99. You might also see options for monthly installment payments, such as $2.75/month for a certain period.
HumX (Gen 2): The device cost for HumX is generally around $120, or approximately $3.33/month on an installment plan.
Keep an eye out for promotions! Verizon often offers deals where the equipment might be free with a two-year subscription or at a reduced price.
Step 3: Understanding the Monthly Subscription Fees
Beyond the initial device cost, a recurring monthly subscription is required to access Hum's features. This is where the ongoing cost comes in.
Hum+ Monthly Pricing: Typically starts at $10 per line per month, plus taxes and fees.
HumX Monthly Pricing: Usually starts at $15 per line per month, plus taxes and fees. This price often includes the in-vehicle Wi-Fi.
Important Considerations for Monthly Fees:
Activation Fee: There might be a one-time activation fee, often around $35.
Early Termination Fee: If you cancel your service early (especially if you committed to a contract, like a 2-year plan), an early termination fee of up to $120 for Hum+ or $175 for HumX may apply.
Data Usage: Hum service operates on Verizon's 4G LTE network and requires data usage. While the core features are included, the in-vehicle Wi-Fi on HumX (or as an add-on for Hum+) will consume data, which is usually part of an unlimited connected car data plan.
Multiple Vehicles: If you have multiple vehicles, you might be able to add additional Hum devices at a slightly reduced monthly rate per line.
Step 4: Unpacking the Features Included in Each Tier
To truly assess the value, let's look at what you get for your money.
Sub-heading: Hum+ Features (Base Package)
This tier is great for essential car safety and diagnostics:
Crash Response: If Hum detects a crash, it can automatically notify emergency services and send help to your location if you don't respond. This is a major peace of mind feature.
Vehicle Diagnostics: Get alerts about your car's health, including check engine light explanations with Diagnostic Trouble Codes (DTCs), so you can understand issues before visiting a mechanic.
Roadside Assistance: Access 24/7 roadside assistance for services like flat tires, dead batteries, lockouts, fuel delivery, and towing. You typically get up to 4 events per year.
Mechanics Hotline: Talk to ASE-certified mechanics for advice on car issues, repair estimates, and scheduling appointments.
Vehicle Location: Always know where your car is, which is super helpful for finding it in a large parking lot or keeping track of family members.
Speed & Boundary Alerts: Set custom alerts to be notified if your vehicle exceeds a set speed limit or travels outside a predefined geographical area (geofencing). Ideal for monitoring new drivers!
Safety Score: Get insights into driving habits (hard braking, rapid acceleration, high speeds, sharp cornering) to encourage safer driving.
Driving History: Review past trips, including distance, time, and average speed.
Stolen Vehicle Assistance: If your car is stolen, Hum can help authorities locate it.
Maintenance Reminders: Get reminders for routine maintenance like oil changes and tire rotations.
Sub-heading: HumX Features (Premium Package)
HumX includes all the features of Hum+ and adds a significant connectivity upgrade:
In-Vehicle Wi-Fi Hotspot: This is the biggest differentiator. Turn your car into a mobile Wi-Fi hotspot, allowing up to 10 devices to connect to Verizon's 4G LTE network. Perfect for long road trips, keeping passengers entertained, or working on the go.
Bluetooth Speaker: A more robust Bluetooth speaker unit is included, which allows for clearer hands-free calls and interactions.
NumberShare - Mobile: Make hands-free calls using your Verizon mobile number directly through the HumX speaker.
Step 5: Checking Compatibility
Before committing to Hum, it's crucial to check if your vehicle is compatible. Most gasoline-powered vehicles manufactured after 1996 with an OBD-II port are compatible. However, Hum does not work with all-electric cars and may have limited functionality with some hybrid or diesel vehicles (e.g., no MPG data for diesel). You can typically check compatibility on the Hum by Verizon website.
Step 6: Activation and Installation
The installation of Hum is generally a straightforward, self-installed process.
Plug in the OBD II Reader: Locate your car's OBD-II port (usually under the dashboard, near the steering wheel) and simply plug in the Hum reader.
Clip the Speaker: Attach the Bluetooth speaker to your sun visor.
Download the App: Download the Hum by Verizon app to your smartphone.
Activate Service: Follow the instructions in the app or contact Verizon customer service to activate your Hum service and link it to your account.
You're now ready to drive smarter and with greater peace of mind!
The Overall Value Proposition
Is Hum by Verizon worth the cost? The answer largely depends on your individual needs and the age of your vehicle.
For Older Vehicles: If you have an older car that lacks modern safety and connectivity features, Hum can be a cost-effective way to add them without buying a new vehicle. The crash response, roadside assistance, and vehicle diagnostics can be invaluable.
For Family Safety: Parents of new drivers often find the speed and boundary alerts, along with driving history, to be extremely beneficial for promoting safer driving habits.
For On-the-Go Connectivity: If you frequently travel with passengers who need internet access, or if you need a reliable mobile hotspot for work on the road, HumX's Wi-Fi can be a game-changer.
While there are other OBD-II dongles and apps on the market that offer some similar features, Hum by Verizon integrates them into a single system with dedicated hardware and a direct connection to Verizon's robust cellular network for reliable emergency services.
FAQs: How to Get the Most Out of Hum by Verizon
Here are 10 common "How to" questions about Hum by Verizon with quick answers:
How to Check if My Car is Compatible with Hum by Verizon?
You can check your car's compatibility by visiting the official Hum by Verizon website and using their compatibility checker, or by calling Verizon customer service. Most vehicles manufactured after 1996 are compatible.
How to Activate My Hum by Verizon Device?
After purchasing the Hum device, download the Hum by Verizon app to your smartphone. Follow the in-app instructions to set up your account and activate the service, or call Verizon customer support for assistance.
How to Use the Crash Response Feature on Hum?
The crash response feature is automatic. If Hum detects a significant impact (like an airbag deployment), it will attempt to connect with you through the speaker. If you don't respond, it can automatically alert emergency services to your location.
How to Request Roadside Assistance with Hum?
You can request roadside assistance by pressing the dedicated roadside assistance button on your Hum speaker, or by using the Hum app on your smartphone.
How to Understand My Car's Diagnostic Alerts with Hum?
When your check engine light comes on, Hum will often send an alert to your app with a clear explanation of the Diagnostic Trouble Code (DTC), helping you understand the potential issue. You can also call the Mechanics Hotline for expert advice.
How to Track My Car's Location with Hum?
You can view your vehicle's current location in real-time on a map within the Hum by Verizon smartphone app. This is useful for finding your parked car or tracking family members.
How to Set Up Speed and Boundary Alerts with Hum?
Within the Hum by Verizon app, navigate to the "Alerts" section. You can then set specific speed thresholds and define geographic boundaries (geofences) that will trigger notifications if your vehicle exceeds the speed or enters/exits the defined area.
How to Connect Devices to the HumX Wi-Fi Hotspot?
If you have HumX, the device acts as a Wi-Fi hotspot. Simply search for available Wi-Fi networks on your smartphone, tablet, or laptop, select the HumX network, and enter the password provided with your HumX device.
How to Get Advice from a Mechanic Using Hum?
You can access the Mechanics Hotline by pressing the blue customer service button on your Hum speaker and asking to be connected to the hotline, or by calling the Hum customer service number directly.
How to View My Driving History with Hum?
Your driving history, including trip details, distance, and speeds, is recorded and accessible through the Hum by Verizon smartphone app or the Hum web portal. You can often export this data as well.
