If a car loan lender can't repossess a vehicle, it will probably get possession of the car through a process called "replevin." 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 process of starting a replevin action usually begins with filing a complaint. 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. Creditors use replevin actions to recover collateral when debtors default on secured loans. What do I need when I send over a replevin order?