diff --git a/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout.dm b/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout.dm
index 8f2d5af598..3891bf0562 100644
--- a/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout.dm
+++ b/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout.dm
@@ -21,7 +21,7 @@ var/list/gear_datums = list()
 		if(!use_name)
 			error("Loadout - Missing display name: [G]")
 			continue
-		if(!initial(G.cost))
+		if(isnull(initial(G.cost)))
 			error("Loadout - Missing cost: [G]")
 			continue
 		if(!initial(G.path))
diff --git a/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout_utility.dm b/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout_utility.dm
index 653f925641..7ce24eb116 100644
--- a/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout_utility.dm
+++ b/code/modules/client/preference_setup/loadout/loadout_utility.dm
@@ -11,6 +11,7 @@
 /datum/gear/utility/communicator
 	display_name = "personal communicator"
 	path = /obj/item/device/communicator
+	cost = 0
 
 /datum/gear/utility/folder_blue
 	display_name = "folder, blue"