I booked through Hotwire and this is printed right on my reservation...they don't take a cc# either.
Booking rules
Rental charges are billed by the agency when you return the car. Reservations may be cancelled at any time without penalty by visiting My Account. Review our Terms of Use for more information.
Okay, that's right if you've booked something through the regular Hotwire agency - just like Priceline's agency bookings. But if you go through Hotwire's heavily discounted process (accepting the blind, low price that's offered for your dates) rather than booking a car through a specific car rental company then you can't cancel.
Clarifying language from Hotwire's Help Center...
"
Help Center: Car Rentals - After booking
Reservation changes/cancellations
Can I cancel or change my reservation if my plans change?
Hotwire Hot Rate rentals are final and cannot be cancelled, refunded, changed, exchanged or transferred. Your account will be charged for the total price shown, regardless of whether the reservation is used. This is how agencies better manage their unsold rental cars, and that's a big reason why we can offer you great travel deals.
On the other hand, regular-rate reservations may be canceled without penalty. To cancel your reservation, log in to your Hotwire account, and click, "My Account."
All Hotwire customers must agree to the Hotwire
Terms of Use."
So Donnaksmj is correct for
her situation but that's doesn't describe every Hotwire situation.
Dick Taylor