diff --git a/awx/main/models/projects.py b/awx/main/models/projects.py
index 4275661437..a73c021a96 100644
--- a/awx/main/models/projects.py
+++ b/awx/main/models/projects.py
@@ -140,7 +140,9 @@ class ProjectOptions(models.Model):
         if not self.scm_type:
             return None
         cred = self.credential
-        if cred:
+        if not cred and self.scm_type == 'insights':
+            raise ValidationError(_("Insights Credential is required for an Insights Project."))
+        elif cred:
             if self.scm_type == 'insights':
                 if cred.kind != 'insights':
                     raise ValidationError(_("Credential kind must be 'insights'."))
diff --git a/awx/main/tests/unit/models/test_project.py b/awx/main/tests/unit/models/test_project.py
new file mode 100644
index 0000000000..82e34339f8
--- /dev/null
+++ b/awx/main/tests/unit/models/test_project.py
@@ -0,0 +1,15 @@
+import pytest
+import json
+from awx.main.models import (
+    Project,
+)
+from django.core.exceptions import ValidationError
+
+
+def test_clean_credential_insights():
+    proj = Project(name="myproj", credential=None, scm_type='insights')
+    with pytest.raises(ValidationError) as e:
+        proj.clean_credential()
+
+    assert json.dumps(str(e.value)) == json.dumps(str([u'Insights Credential is required for an Insights Project.']))
+