diff --git a/drivers/softlayer/driver.go b/drivers/softlayer/driver.go
index 46e9dc49ed..3f707a1a8a 100644
--- a/drivers/softlayer/driver.go
+++ b/drivers/softlayer/driver.go
@@ -301,7 +301,7 @@ func (d *Driver) GetIP() (string, error) {
 	if d.IPAddress != "" {
 		return d.IPAddress, nil
 	}
-	if d.deviceConfig.PrivateNet {
+	if d.deviceConfig != nil && d.deviceConfig.PrivateNet == true {
 		return d.getClient().VirtualGuest().GetPrivateIp(d.Id)
 	} else {
 		return d.getClient().VirtualGuest().GetPublicIp(d.Id)