Are only bailiffs allowed to repossess cars or can vehicle recovery companies do so

A finance company repossessing a car does not need to instruct bailiffs to take the car.

Bailiffs are only needed when taking control of goods, or property in the case of a demised tenancy or squatting event, that do not belong to the creditor.^[1]

The lender does not need bailiffs to repossess the car because the car is already theirs until the final payment has been made.^[2][3][4]

The finance company can send anyone to collect the car, and that person does not need an enforcement certificate.

^{[1] Section 62 of the Tribunals, Courts and Enforcement Act 2007
[2] Helby v. Matthews [1895] AC 471
[3] Mulwanyi v Newlyn Plc
[4] See Bailiffs and hire-purchase cars}