diff --git a/flask_annex/file.py b/flask_annex/file.py
index 353f704..f3b828f 100644
--- a/flask_annex/file.py
+++ b/flask_annex/file.py
@@ -13,6 +13,9 @@
 
 class FileAnnex(AnnexBase):
     def __init__(self, root_path):
+        if not os.path.exists(root_path):
+            raise IOError("root path {} does not exist".format(root_path))
+
         self._root_path = root_path
 
     def _get_filename(self, key):
diff --git a/tests/test_file.py b/tests/test_file.py
index e9e737a..0dd5d44 100644
--- a/tests/test_file.py
+++ b/tests/test_file.py
@@ -11,7 +11,7 @@
 
 @pytest.fixture
 def file_annex_path(tmpdir):
-    return tmpdir.join('annex').strpath
+    return tmpdir.join('annex').mkdir().strpath
 
 
 # -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
@@ -41,3 +41,11 @@ def annex_base(self, monkeypatch, file_annex_path):
         monkeypatch.setenv('FLASK_ANNEX_FILE_ROOT_PATH', file_annex_path)
 
         return Annex.from_env('FLASK_ANNEX')
+
+
+# -----------------------------------------------------------------------------
+
+
+def test_error_nonexistent_root_path():
+    with pytest.raises(IOError):
+        Annex('file', root_path='/dummy')