Business Details
50 Years
experience
Emergency
services
Expert Auto Body & Collision Repair Services in North Idaho
Northwest Autobody has been North Idaho's most trusted name in autobody and collision repair services since 1976. With three locations in Sandpoint, Ponderay, and Bonners Ferry, we combine over 45 years of experience with cutting-edge technology to deliver precision repairs for minor dents to major collision damage. Our Gold Class certification by I-CAR demonstrates our commitment to industry-leading training and expertise. We specialize in paintless dent repair, aluminum vehicle repair, and frame straightening using state-of-the-art equipment.Our family-owned business maintains deep community ties through partnerships with Sandpoint High School's auto body program and local organizations. Our technicians, including I-CAR-certified professionals, prioritize OEM paint matching and structural integrity to restore vehicles to pre-accident condition. We guarantee our workmanship for the vehicle's lifetime ownership and maintain 24/7 towing services for emergency assistance.
Services
Paintless Dent Repair
Frame Repair
Aluminum Vehicle Repair
Collision Repair
Deer Hit Repairs
Details
- Year established: 1976
Highlights and features
- We offer 45+ years of experience in collision repair and auto body services
- Our team maintains Gold Class certification through I-CAR training standards
- We provide 24/7 emergency towing services for vehicle accidents
- Our aluminum-certified technicians use state-of-the-art repair equipment
- We guarantee lifetime workmanship warranties on all repair services
Associations and certifications
- I-CAR Gold Class
What people say
Excellent work
Quick turnaround
Professional staff
Community involvement
Quality repairs
Services
Paintless Dent Repair
Our paintless dent repair specialists use advanced tools to remove minor dents without damaging original paint. This technique preserves vehicle integrity while saving time and costs compared to traditional bodywork. We handle hail damage, door dings, and bodyline damage using specialized pushing tools and heat application.
Frame Repair
Our certified technicians use hydraulic equipment to restore vehicle frames to factory specifications after collisions. We employ precision techniques for modern frames that disperse impact energy differently than older models. Specialized procedures address aluminum frame repairs requiring specific tools and clean environments.
Aluminum Vehicle Repair
We specialize in repairing aluminum-framed vehicles using dedicated equipment to prevent cross-contamination with steel repairs. Our technicians handle Ford F-150 aluminum frames and other models requiring specialized welding techniques and malleability considerations for proper restoration.
Collision Repair
Our comprehensive collision repair services restore vehicles to pre-accident condition using computerized estimates and OEM paint matching. We handle body panel replacement, structural repairs, and precision frame straightening with lifetime warranties on all repair workmanship.
Deer Hit Repairs
We specialize in repairing vehicle damage from deer and wildlife collisions common in North Idaho. Our 24/7 towing service responds to emergencies, and we coordinate with local authorities for safe vehicle recovery. We restore vehicles to original condition while supporting community food banks through our repair donations.
People
Mel Donenfeld
Founder
Founded Northwest Autobody in 1976 after gaining experience in Boston and Colorado. Built the business from a dirt-floor garage to a multi-location operation while maintaining core values of honesty and quality workmanship.
Eric Donenfeld
Co-Owner
Business degree holder who expanded operations to Ponderay in 2014. Maintains family commitment to quality while implementing modern equipment upgrades and training programs for technicians.
Cory Donenfeld
Co-Owner
Auto body degree holder who joined the family business to expand technical capabilities. Led implementation of aluminum repair certification and advanced welding equipment upgrades.
Kirk
Senior Technician
Passionate autobody professional with decades of experience. Former automotive educator who brings precision and craftsmanship to every repair while mentoring junior technicians.
Troy
Certified Technician
I-CAR-certified technician with over 10 years' experience. Specializes in disassembly/reassembly processes and maintains focus on continuous learning for evolving automotive technologies.
Questions
What services does Northwest Autobody offer?
We provide paintless dent repair, frame straightening, aluminum vehicle repair, collision damage restoration, and emergency towing services for deer collisions.
Are your technicians certified?
All technicians maintain I-CAR certifications with specialized training in aluminum repairs and frame straightening techniques.
Do you work with insurance companies?
Yes, we accept all major insurance providers and provide computerized estimates that include VIN decoding for accurate parts identification.
What areas do you serve?
We serve Sandpoint, Ponderay, Bonners Ferry, and surrounding areas in North Idaho and Northwestern Montana.
Do you offer emergency services?
Yes, we provide 24/7 towing services for vehicle accidents and wildlife collisions.
What warranties do you offer?
We guarantee all repairs against workmanship defects for the vehicle's lifetime ownership.
Reviews (5)
Brandon Hope
Apr 02, 2022
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A difficult situation for me and my new truck, but Northwest Auto Body in Sandpoint saved the day in a timely and excellent manner. They called me each day that the truck was in with updates and went out of their way to make sure all parties involved were taken care of. Truly a top notch local business that I would Highly Recommend to anyone in North Idaho. Thank you!
Emily Cheesman
Feb 02, 2022
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Wonderful experience from beginning to end. Northwest Autobody handled everything with the insurance company and even arranged the rental car which was waiting when I dropped off my car. Couldn't have asked for better customer service. Cory and David kept us informed throughout the entire experience. My car looks brand new after repairs and even finished faster than expected! 10/10 recommend. -Emily Peterson
Kyle Bruce
Jan 23, 2022
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I went to Northwest Auto Body on a recommendation and was impressed with their service. They went above and beyond. I was treated very fairly and will go back with future needs.
Vana Balbin
Jan 12, 2022
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Always great to do business with. Everyone is always amazingly friendly. They fixed my car in November, and put new clips in my bumper. When it got super cold and icy the clips broke again. I stopped by and Eric had a solution and asked to keep my car that afternoon. No need to make an appt or wait. Went back to work and before I got off work at 5 my car was fixed and better than factory!
Janis Miller
Jan 04, 2022
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I was very appreciative of the updates on the status of the repairs. The work was excellent and everything was done on time. Great people to work with! Service: Body & Trim
