While repossession does not involve a formal process in court, replevin consists of getting the court to order the consumer to return the vehicle to the lender. The sheriff has to do this.Replevin is available to a party seeking the return of goods pursuant to a court order directing a party to return the goods or collateral to you. If a car loan lender can't repossess a vehicle, it will probably get possession of the car through a process called "replevin." The process of starting a replevin action usually begins with filing a complaint. Replevin is a court action to recover the possession of personal property. Personal property is any property that is not land or buildings. The writ of replevin allows law enforcement, such as the sheriff, to take possession of the property (the vehicle) and return it to you. If you default on your car loan payments, the lender can take your car back through repossession or replevin. Learn the difference.