Hotwire Scam! San Francisco, California

You are correct, I do not see a RipOff with Hotwire because unless the OP has something else there is none.

If you actually read what the OP wrote they STARTED by saying that they know the hotel room was non-refundable.  But they of their own free will decided to spend the time to still attempt to get them to make an exception to get a refund.  So sorry but if someone knows that it is non-refundable, any time they take to try to get the company to make an exception is on them.

But once the OP made that choice it really doesn't matter what Hotwire said.  If Hotwire told the OP outright that it is non-refundable(and who knows if they actually did or did not do that when they first called) they would have just kept asking for a person higher and higher up in the company to try to find someone who will make the exception.  Then they would be here complaining how the CEO's secretary did not have the CEO call them back.  You've been around here long enough that you this is exactly what would have happened.

Now, if the OP ever comes back and would be able to show where the insurance policy covers Jury Duty in writing and the Insurance company did not pay..then they would most likely have an valid complaint against the insurance company.

Of course the one final thing was that if Jury Duty was the real reason, all they need to do is contact the courts and have it postponed because of the previously scheduled vacation.  Then there is zero need to have any refunds. 

lost in left field again

You really don't get the ripoff do you?

By making him spend hours and days sending in every document under the sun so he will drop the request rather than say no.

Wasting a customers time rather than telling him the truth is as big a ripoff as just stealing his money. 

What part of Non-Refundable don't you understand?

Because you say you are well aware that they are non-refundable, but also claiming them to be ripping you off because they won't let you out.   Sorry but just because they are unwilling to make an exception does not make this a RipOff.

You also say you have insurance, so why are you even dealing with Hotwire?   I can't say I have seen many policies cover Jury Service.  But if you have it in writing that they do and they don't pay then you have a valid complaint..against the insurance company.  If it doesn't cover Jury Service perhaps you can contact the court and ask if you can postpone your service due to preexisting commitments.