diff --git a/lib/dereference.js b/lib/dereference.js
index 0a4c919a..2e5df3dd 100644
--- a/lib/dereference.js
+++ b/lib/dereference.js
@@ -191,7 +191,7 @@ function dereference$Ref ($ref, path, pathFromRoot, parents, processedObjects, d
  */
 function foundCircularReference (keyPath, $refs, options) {
   $refs.circular = true;
-  if (!options.dereference.circular) {
+  if (options && options.dereference && !options.dereference.circular) {
     throw ono.reference(`Circular $ref pointer found at ${keyPath}`);
   }
   return true;