diff --git a/pre_commit/commands/install_uninstall.py b/pre_commit/commands/install_uninstall.py
index c84d29b4..47c9484c 100644
--- a/pre_commit/commands/install_uninstall.py
+++ b/pre_commit/commands/install_uninstall.py
@@ -48,6 +48,9 @@ def install(runner, overwrite=False, hooks=False, hook_type='pre-commit'):
     hook_path = runner.get_hook_path(hook_type)
     legacy_path = hook_path + '.legacy'
 
+    if not os.path.exists(os.path.dirname(hook_path)):
+        os.makedirs(os.path.dirname(hook_path))
+
     # If we have an existing hook, move it to pre-commit.legacy
     if (
         os.path.exists(hook_path) and
diff --git a/tests/commands/install_uninstall_test.py b/tests/commands/install_uninstall_test.py
index 9e1806e1..ca82c061 100644
--- a/tests/commands/install_uninstall_test.py
+++ b/tests/commands/install_uninstall_test.py
@@ -5,6 +5,7 @@ import io
 import os
 import os.path
 import re
+import shutil
 import subprocess
 import sys
 
@@ -78,6 +79,15 @@ def test_install_pre_commit(tmpdir_factory):
     assert pre_push_contents == expected_contents
 
 
+def test_install_hooks_directory_not_present(tmpdir_factory):
+    path = git_dir(tmpdir_factory)
+    # Simulate some git clients which don't make .git/hooks #234
+    shutil.rmtree(os.path.join(path, '.git', 'hooks'))
+    runner = Runner(path)
+    install(runner)
+    assert os.path.exists(runner.pre_commit_path)
+
+
 def test_uninstall_does_not_blow_up_when_not_there(tmpdir_factory):
     path = git_dir(tmpdir_factory)
     runner = Runner(path)