diff --git a/src/util/std_expr.h b/src/util/std_expr.h
index e9a4aff64ef..4ff695e7a34 100644
--- a/src/util/std_expr.h
+++ b/src/util/std_expr.h
@@ -4131,6 +4131,12 @@ class nil_exprt : public nullary_exprt
   }
 };
 
+template <>
+inline bool can_cast_expr<nil_exprt>(const exprt &base)
+{
+  return base.id() == ID_nil;
+}
+
 /// \brief The null pointer constant
 class null_pointer_exprt:public constant_exprt
 {