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.If you default on your car loan payments, the lender can take your car back through repossession or replevin. Learn the difference. 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. The process of starting a replevin action usually begins with filing a complaint. Filing a replevin means that you do not need to physically locate property to claim it. This is a selfhelp remedy that allows creditors to take possession of said car and you do not have to be sued first. A replevin case is used to have the sheriff pickup the property before the court has a full hearing or trial in the case. A replevin can be filed at anytime if you are hiding the car and won't return it or they cannot find it.