Hotwire.com Hotwire "Trip Protection" Insurance Scam! Internet

I purchased a reservation at a hotel through Hotwire knowing that there was a possability that my business trip could be cancelled. As you know, Hotwire refuses to refund your money which is why they offer "Trip Protection" just in case you need to cancel the trip.

Here's what happens if your trip is cancelled: I called Hotwire and they say "You'll have to call the insurance company." I called the insurance company and they say they can't refund your purchase unless you or someone traveling with you is dying in a hospital and you have to provide documentation from the doctor saying so." This of course isn't advertised when you buy the "Trip Protection Insurance."

When I disputed the amount with my Bank, they investigated and found they couldn't do anything because Hotwire clearly states that they don't give refunds. The bank can't go after the insurance company either because it's a third party transaction. I'm sure Hotewire makes a good commission on the sale of this bogus "protection" knowing full well that 95% of all trips aren't cancelled due to hospitalization.

Don't waste your money. 

Hotwire also claims the reason they don't refund is because they purchase the reservations themselves and if you were able to cancel, they would be "out" their money. This is a lie. I called the hotel whom I had the reservation and they said that Hotwire could easily get their money back within 24 hours prior to the reservation date. You of course can't cancel the reservation yourself because you didn't pay them directly, Hotwire did. Hotwire could make this legit by placing this on their website: "Refunds for trips are available two days prior to reservation." but they don't. They take your money and run with it.

There is clear intent to defraud here - there is no mistake and they know exactly what they are doing. The way they have things written or not written on their website and the use of 3rd party transactions that leave the customer with no recours are clearly red flags that should be getting the attention of the Attorney General.

Buyer beware!