diff --git a/rest_framework/serializers.py b/rest_framework/serializers.py
index b1b7b6477..f37bd3a3d 100644
--- a/rest_framework/serializers.py
+++ b/rest_framework/serializers.py
@@ -1490,6 +1490,8 @@ class ModelSerializer(Serializer):
                 default = timezone.now
             elif unique_constraint_field.has_default():
                 default = unique_constraint_field.default
+            elif unique_constraint_field.null:
+                default = None
             else:
                 default = empty