diff --git a/swh/loader/core/loader.py b/swh/loader/core/loader.py
--- a/swh/loader/core/loader.py
+++ b/swh/loader/core/loader.py
@@ -396,7 +396,7 @@
 
     def store_data(self) -> None:
         assert self.origin
-        if self.config["save_data"]:
+        if self.config.get("save_data"):
             self.save_data()
 
         if self.has_contents():
diff --git a/swh/loader/core/tests/test_loader.py b/swh/loader/core/tests/test_loader.py
--- a/swh/loader/core/tests/test_loader.py
+++ b/swh/loader/core/tests/test_loader.py
@@ -7,7 +7,7 @@
 import hashlib
 import logging
 
-from swh.model.model import Origin
+from swh.model.model import Origin, Snapshot
 
 from swh.loader.core.loader import BaseLoader, DVCSLoader
 
@@ -24,9 +24,6 @@
     def fetch_data(self):
         pass
 
-    def store_data(self):
-        pass
-
     def get_snapshot_id(self):
         return None
 
@@ -55,6 +52,24 @@
             },
         }
 
+    def get_contents(self):
+        return []
+
+    def get_directories(self):
+        return []
+
+    def get_revisions(self):
+        return []
+
+    def get_releases(self):
+        return []
+
+    def get_snapshot(self):
+        return Snapshot(branches={})
+
+    def eventful(self):
+        return False
+
 
 class DummyBaseLoader(DummyLoader, BaseLoader):
     """Buffered loader will send new data when threshold is reached
@@ -84,6 +99,9 @@
             },
         }
 
+    def store_data(self):
+        pass
+
 
 def test_base_loader():
     loader = DummyBaseLoader()