eCall is a system used in vehicles across the EU which automatically makes a free 112 emergency call if your vehicle is involved in a serious road accident. You can also activate eCall manually by pushing a button.
How eCall works
Your eCall system works in all EU countries. Wherever you are, if your vehicle is involved in a serious accident, you will be connected with the nearest emergency-response network. It doesn't matter where you bought your vehicle or where it is registered.
When eCall is activated, it connects to the nearest emergency response centre, using both a telephone and data link. This allows you and the passengers in the vehicle to communicate with the emergency centre operator and at the same time, a minimum set of data is automatically transmitted (your exact location, the time of the accident, your vehicle's identification number and direction of travel). This allows the emergency services to assess and manage your situation.
If the eCall system fails, you'll get a warning indication.
Warning
Information is only transmitted from your car in the event of a serious accident.
eCall services offered by third parties
Under EU rules you have the right to use a third party service (TPS) eCall system in addition to the standard 112-based one. These additional services could for example include roadside assistance. You may need to pay for any additional services provided by a TPS, unlike the free 112-based e-Call.
Any TPS eCall system must:
- comply with EU approved technical standards
- ensure an automatic switch to the 112 eCall if the TPS does not work
- allow the owner of the vehicle to choose between the 112-based eCall and the TPS service
- not allow any exchange of data to take place with the 112 eCall system
Warning
If you have additional services provided through a TPS eCall system you must give your explicit consent to enable the traceability, tracking and processing of your personal data in this context.
Compulsory for new car models
If you buy a new model of car, approved for manufacture after 31 March 2018, it must have the 112-based eCall system installed. This rule applies both to cars with no more than 8 seats and light commercial vehicles. If you have a car which is already registered, you are not obliged to retrofit an eCall device but you can have it installed if your car meets the technical requirements.
eCall privacy and the protection of your personal data
Your eCall system is only activated if your vehicle is involved in a serious accident. The rest of the time the system remains inactive. This means that when you are simply driving your vehicle, no tracking (registering your car's position or monitoring your driving) or transmission of data takes place.
When a call is made through your 112-based eCall system, your personal data is processed according to EU data protection rules. This means that the emergency services only receive the limited data they need to deal with the accident situation, your data is not stored for any longer than necessary, and is removed when no longer required. Read more about EU data protection and privacy rules.