diff --git a/motorm/__init__.py b/motorm/__init__.py
index af31860..d045fef 100644
--- a/motorm/__init__.py
+++ b/motorm/__init__.py
@@ -178,7 +178,8 @@ def handle_update_response(response, error):
 
         self.validate()
 
-        if self._initial == {}:
+        if self._initial == {} or (self._initial != {} and
+                                   "id" not in self._initial):
             _db[self.__collection__].save(
                 self.serialize(), callback=handle_save_response)
         else: