diff --git a/pytest_reportportal/service.py b/pytest_reportportal/service.py
index 83f4090..f748b38 100644
--- a/pytest_reportportal/service.py
+++ b/pytest_reportportal/service.py
@@ -404,13 +404,14 @@ def _lock(self, leaf, func):
 
     def _build_start_suite_rq(self, leaf):
         code_ref = str(leaf['item']) if leaf['type'] == LeafType.DIR else str(leaf['item'].fspath)
+        parent_item_id = self._lock(leaf['parent'], lambda p: p.get('item_id')) if 'parent' in leaf else None
         payload = {
             'name': self._get_item_name(leaf['name']),
             'description': self._get_item_description(leaf['item']),
             'start_time': timestamp(),
             'item_type': 'SUITE',
             'code_ref': code_ref,
-            'parent_item_id': self._lock(leaf['parent'], lambda p: p['item_id'])
+            'parent_item_id': parent_item_id
         }
         return payload