diff --git a/lib/email.js b/lib/email.js
index 9c809b9b..53367ca4 100644
--- a/lib/email.js
+++ b/lib/email.js
@@ -3,7 +3,7 @@ const ph = require('./plugin-helper')
 function sendMessage (settings, rec) {
   return Promise.resolve()
     .then(() => {
-      const pluginCode = settings.config.notifications_thirdParty_email
+      const pluginCode = settings.config.notifications_thirdParty_email || 'mailgun'
       const plugin = ph.load(ph.EMAIL, pluginCode)
       const account = settings.accounts[pluginCode]
 
@@ -14,7 +14,7 @@ function sendMessage (settings, rec) {
 function sendCustomerMessage (settings, rec) {
   return Promise.resolve()
     .then(() => {
-      const pluginCode = settings.config.notifications_thirdParty_email
+      const pluginCode = settings.config.notifications_thirdParty_email || 'mailgun'
       const plugin = ph.load(ph.EMAIL, pluginCode)
       const account = settings.accounts[pluginCode]