Online Travel Booking and Bidding Agencies - Is there a reason not to use Hotwire for car rental??

Their prices are better than all the car rental sites.

You don't miss out on points like with air or hotel stays.

You don't miss out on upgrade opportunities or get neg. attitude from front desk personnel as you might at a hotel?

Rates include applicable tax-recovery charges and fees.

They use the major companies.

Do their rentals have return grace periods now that the major companies have gotten rid of them and have become sticklers to the minute?

Does anyone have any negative experiences?

I can't see the downside?

I use Hotwire almost all the time now for car rentals.

The only downside I have encountered is all the special rates are paid in advance. So if a change or cancellation is required, you are out of luck, as you are stuck paying for the terms of the rental whether or not you use it.

If your itinerary is solid and not apt to change, I say go for it, they have been easy to deal with.

Insurance coverage through your credit card may not work unless you are charged directly by the car rental company. YMMV.

I, too, am a frequent user of hotwire for car rentals, especially in places like SFO, where the fees on a standard rental are pretty high. As ChinaShrek said, the insurance coverage is really the risk - I am not really sure how all that would play out if there was a claim, and so far I have not had to experience that learning.

I've been very satisfied with Hotwire. Their prices often beat the best you can do on Priceline because their fees are lower. The credit card you pay Hotwire with serves as the coverage. This should not be an issue. The only point to remember is that the reservation is prepaid and nonrefundable. The reservation is good for 24 hours in case the plane is delayed but check with the agency if there is a delay to confirm. I was once mis-treated by an Avis agent who downgraded my vehicle to an Economy grade car though I had reserved a compact. She said "Why are you complaining? Did you pay $10? What do you expect?" I wrote to Hotwire and Avis. Hotwire had Avis refund the retail difference between the two grades. Avis also gave me a $50 credit for a future rental. Hotwire treats you well indeed. I have had similar good treatment through Priceline bids. Don't forget that Hotwire and Expedia are the same company so the car rental companies cannot afford to do anything to lose their business.