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

The Miles Plug is a $99 OBD-II device designed to track vehicle location, driving habits, and health for parents monitoring teen drivers. Unlike many competitors, the company emphasizes privacy by promising not to sell user data to third parties.
Why it matters
As vehicle connectivity increases, consumer demand for privacy-focused automotive monitoring tools is growing.
My 15-year-old daughter just got her learner’s permit, so when I was pitched a new gadget tailored to teen drivers, I was intrigued. The Miles Plug is a small device that plugs into your car’s OBD-II port and monitors location, driving habits, and vehicle health, along with emergency accident response and roadside assistance.
The idea is that knowing all these things should help me feel more comfortable when my daughter starts driving alone. I tested the (now discontinued) Ring Car Cam when my son was learning to drive, but he hated it and refused to turn it on; I wondered if the Miles could provide the same peace of mind without feeling as intrusive.
[Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/LR6B6253.jpeg?quality=90&strip=all]
[Image: https://platform.theverge.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/2/2026/10/LR6B6251.jpeg?quality=90&strip=all]
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