diff --git a/search.py b/search.py
index b45934a..c962b86 100644
--- a/search.py
+++ b/search.py
@@ -1,6 +1,7 @@
 """Interactions with the Meilisearch API for adding and searching cables."""
 from meilisearch import Client
 from meilisearch.task import TaskInfo
+from meilisearch.errors import MeilisearchApiError
 import json
 
 DEFAULT_URL = "http://localhost:7700"
@@ -24,7 +25,9 @@ class JukeboxSearch:
         self.index = index or DEFAULT_INDEX
         self.client = Client(url, api_key)
         # create the index if it does not exist already
-        if self.client.get_index(self.index) is None:
+        try:
+            self.client.get_index(self.index)
+        except MeilisearchApiError as _:
             self.client.create_index(self.index)
 
     def add_document(self, document: dict) -> TaskInfo: