Pros and cons of Verizon WIFI hotspot

Has anyone used the Verizon wifi hotspot on the Entune?
If so can you list advantages or disadvantages of using it rather than your 4G phone.

 

The advantage would be seen if you have non cellular devices like tablets. They would be able to all connect to the vehicle at once without impacting or relying on the presence of your phones hot spot. Several of my friends with kids like this feature, for me and my wife it is not something that I have found a use for so I will let the trial expire.

 

All 2020 and newer Tacoma come with Wi-Fi Connect (integrated cellular modem)

Advantages:
- Has the ability to connect non-cellular Wi-Fi enabled devices to a network in your vehicle anywhere there is service

Disadvantages:
- Free for 90 days or 2GB of data THEN Standard subscription rates apply ($$$)
- It's another bill for you to pay, you already have internet on your phone
- Even if you don't activate it, Toyota and Insurance affiliates may use it to automatically transfer your telemetric data to Toyota

 

Thanks.... interesting about insurance affiliates

 

I believe it’s actually AT&T if you have a 2020

 

Be careful with this one. Unless you specifically opt-out, they consider you opted in and will track your driving habits for the purpose of providing insurance quotes, even if they are not your insurance company. https://toyotaims.com/

 

I just got an email to contact Progressive to get an insurance quote, any previous experience on how competitive those quotes might be in FL? Today I have Geico and it is pretty good, not very motivated to move, thoughts? Thanks

 

I don't think it's something that adds any value to the vehicle. As a single guy I don't bring devices to use in the car but the phone . I can see where it would be a convenience for families that have kids with tablets to keep the kids busy and they don't need to have a hotspot on their own phone running. the downside is that it's another bill and I'm sure all that automakers get a kick back from the subscriptions they sell. Being I like to keep costs low and this would be a duplication of service my phone has id never use it.

Also since I'm in Technology for work I would guess that the modem in the vehicles will become outdated and unusable before the vehicle does. then will an updated modem be available? yep in your new truck that you will have to buy.. we have a Van here at work that still has a fully installed analoge Sprint cell phone in it. Vehicles can out last computer and communications tech.

 

Moores Law

 

if your mobile a lot for work or what not the benefit Is also you can tow it with you where the truck you can’t. Not sure about the 2020 but some car modems stop after a period of time. Mostly for “unlimited” plans but another thought. my head unit benefits a lot from data (just swapped out my entune) and would rather have the car be connected then my phone but as folks said you also have one more thing to pay for. If you use the car a lot could be worth it.

 

I used them in PA for a few years when I got booted from Erie for too many claims. they were affordable and they only reason I went back to Erie when they would take me back is the multi policy discount with home saved me so much it made it worth it. Progressive was a few bucks cheaper for auto than erie was when I went back. If there were no discounts for having both with one company I'd have kept auto with Progressive.

 

They do have discounts for multi policy. I have auto, Moto and home through them.

 

They do have Homeowners and yes they do probably have a discount but They would not do a policy for Multi Family home like mine so it wasn't an option for me at all.

 

When shopping for insurance also inquire about covering any mods you do to your truck if you plan on doing any at all. They are going to LOL if you expect them to cover let’s say a $5k lift because they only agreed to cover what the VIN says that vehicle is equipped with.

 

The challenge I will have is that only a few Insurance companies offer Homeowners's insurance in FL, most of the big ones due to the Hurricanes don't offer it, meaning I will not be able to do multiple policies discount.