What's Actually Covered
A named-component breakdown of each plan so you know exactly what's protected — and what isn't — before a claim.
Athena Auto Protection — Component Coverage Guide
athenaautoprotection.com/coverage-guide
Most extended warranty complaints — including those documented by the BBB — follow a similar pattern: a customer is told their "engine is covered," then files a claim for a head gasket or fuel injector and is denied. The reason is almost always the same: a covered system is not the same as all parts within that system.
Stated-component plans (like Powertrain Plus, Enhanced Powertrain, and Deluxe) list the specific parts that are covered. Parts not on the list — even if they're inside the engine — are typically excluded. Only exclusionary plans (like New Car Coverage) flip the logic: they list what's NOT covered, so everything else is covered by default.
This guide shows you exactly which named components are in and out of each Athena Auto Protection plan, so you can compare plans honestly and avoid surprises at the repair shop.
Engine Subcomponents Coverage Components
| Component | Powertrain Plus | Enhanced Powertrain | Deluxe Coverage | New Car Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Cylinder block & heads | ||||
Pistons, rings & bearings | ||||
Crankshaft & main bearings | ||||
Camshaft & lifters | ||||
Oil pump | ||||
Timing chain / belt & tensioners | ||||
Head gaskets Covered under New Car (exclusionary) plan only | ||||
Fuel injectors | ||||
Turbocharger / supercharger | ||||
Intake & exhaust manifolds | ||||
Engine mounts | ||||
Engine control module (ECM) |
Transmission Coverage Components
| Component | Powertrain Plus | Enhanced Powertrain | Deluxe Coverage | New Car Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Transmission case & internals | ||||
Torque converter | ||||
Valve body | ||||
Input / output shafts | ||||
Clutch packs (automatic) | ||||
Solenoids | ||||
Transmission mounts | ||||
Shift linkage components | ||||
Transfer case (4WD/AWD) |
Drive Axle & Drivetrain Coverage Components
| Component | Powertrain Plus | Enhanced Powertrain | Deluxe Coverage | New Car Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Front & rear differentials | ||||
Axle shafts | ||||
CV joints CV axle boots excluded as wear items | ||||
Universal joints | ||||
Drive shaft | ||||
Differential bearings |
Air Conditioning & Heating Coverage Components
| Component | Powertrain Plus | Enhanced Powertrain | Deluxe Coverage | New Car Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
A/C compressor | ||||
Condenser | ||||
Evaporator | ||||
Expansion valve / orifice tube | ||||
Accumulator / receiver drier | ||||
Heater core | ||||
Blower motor | ||||
Refrigerant recharge (standalone) Refrigerant not covered — only covered when part of a covered A/C repair |
Cooling System Coverage Components
| Component | Powertrain Plus | Enhanced Powertrain | Deluxe Coverage | New Car Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Water pump | ||||
Thermostat & housing | ||||
Radiator | ||||
Cooling fans & motors |
Electrical Coverage Components
| Component | Powertrain Plus | Enhanced Powertrain | Deluxe Coverage | New Car Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Starter motor | ||||
Alternator | ||||
Fuel pump | ||||
Power window motors | ||||
Power lock actuators | ||||
Power seat motors | ||||
Select sensors & switches | ||||
Navigation & infotainment | ||||
Backup camera module |
Steering & Suspension Coverage Components
| Component | Powertrain Plus | Enhanced Powertrain | Deluxe Coverage | New Car Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Power steering pump | ||||
Rack & pinion / steering gear | ||||
Struts & shock absorbers | ||||
Control arms & bushings | ||||
Ball joints | ||||
Catalytic converter Covered under New Car (exclusionary) plan only |
Brakes Coverage Components
| Component | Powertrain Plus | Enhanced Powertrain | Deluxe Coverage | New Car Coverage |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Brake pads & rotors Excluded as wear items on all plans | ||||
ABS module / pump | ||||
Brake master cylinder | ||||
Wheel cylinders & calipers |
Universal Exclusions (All Plans)
Common Questions About What's Covered
Does extended warranty cover head gaskets?
Head gaskets are covered under the New Car Coverage (exclusionary) plan only. Stated-component plans (Powertrain Plus, Enhanced Powertrain, Deluxe) cover named internally lubricated engine parts but do not specifically name head gaskets. If head gasket protection is important to you, ask specifically about New Car Coverage or exclusionary contract language.
Are fuel injectors covered?
Fuel injectors are covered under Deluxe Coverage and New Car Coverage. They are not covered under Powertrain Plus or Enhanced Powertrain, which focus on internally lubricated powertrain parts.
Is the A/C compressor covered?
Yes — under Enhanced Powertrain, Deluxe Coverage, and New Car Coverage. The A/C compressor, condenser, evaporator, and related components are not covered under Powertrain Plus.
Are timing chains covered?
Timing chains and belts (including tensioners and guides) are covered under all four plans. They are considered internally lubricated engine components.
What's the difference between a stated-component and exclusionary plan?
Stated-component plans list specific covered parts — only those items are covered. Exclusionary plans list what's NOT covered — everything else is covered by default. Exclusionary plans like New Car Coverage generally offer broader protection and are less susceptible to claim denials based on unlisted components.
Why was my 'engine' claim denied if the engine is covered?
Most claim denials happen because a specific part (like a head gasket, catalytic converter, or sensor) is not named in the stated-component list, even though the broader system is listed. This is the core consumer confusion pattern documented in BBB complaints across the extended warranty industry. Athena's New Car Coverage (exclusionary) plan is specifically designed to minimize this risk.
Related Coverage Resources
Know Exactly What You're Getting
Talk to a licensed agent about which plan covers the specific components that matter most for your vehicle.