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. 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. The sheriff has to do this. This is a selfhelp remedy that allows creditors to take possession of said car and you do not have to be sued first. Creditors use replevin actions to recover collateral when debtors default on secured loans. A replevin can be filed at anytime if you are hiding the car and won't return it or they cannot find it. Remember, a replevin is only a remedy for recovering personal property.