I tried a $99 plug that promises to track your car and send help when needed — without selling your data

My 15-year-old daughter just received her learner's permit, prompting me to consider a new device designed for teenage drivers. The Miles Plug, priced at $99, fits into your car's OBD-II port and monitors location, driving behavior, and vehicle health. It also includes emergency accident response and roadside assistance features. I previously tested the Ring Car Cam for my son's driving lessons but found it intrusive, so I hoped the Miles could offer similar peace of mind without being too intrusive.

Described as a "wearable for your car," Miles is a compact, GPS-enabled device connected to an app that provides real-time location, alerts, and driving insights. The app features an AI chatbot called the Miles Mechanic, which explains warning lights, assesses the urgency of issues, and estimates repair costs. Founded by Matt McGovren and Kit Klein, the company has a strong background in smart home technology, including past experiences at Wink and Amazon.

McGovren emphasizes that Miles is designed for parents and teens to work together, fostering trust rather than suspicion. Unlike many products, Miles doesn't treat users as a product; your data isn't sold or used for advertising. The device is compatible with most gas and hybrid cars from 2008 onward and some electric vehicles, though a compatibility checker is available.

Pricing starts at $99 for the device plus $180 for a year of membership ($15 per month), with three-year plans at $396 ($11 per month), all paid upfront without auto-renewal.

During setup, the device connected to my 2014 Toyota Highlander (named Tanya) via the OBD-II port, identified my vehicle, and logged trips with details like route, distance, time, and driver initials. I received timely arrival and departure alerts, and the app flagged instances of hard acceleration and braking. The "home" card in the app provides a summary of the car's health, including engine status, fuel levels, battery voltage, and maintenance schedules.

An AI chatbot named Miles Mechanic answered questions about my car's maintenance needs in clear, understandable language.

While I haven't used the device long enough to assess battery drain, Miles claims it goes to sleep when the car is not in use, minimizing any impact on battery life. However, users are advised to remove the plug if the car won't be driven for an extended period. With a focus on transparency, security, and value, Miles aims to provide parents with the reassurance they need while keeping data private and secure.