diff --git a/rest_framework/serializers.py b/rest_framework/serializers.py
index 80eefbf08..8e245405a 100644
--- a/rest_framework/serializers.py
+++ b/rest_framework/serializers.py
@@ -530,8 +530,9 @@ class HyperlinkedModelSerializer(ModelSerializer):
     def __init__(self, *args, **kwargs):
         if self.opts.view_name is None:
             self.opts.view_name = self._get_default_view_name(self.opts.model)
-            
-        self.base_fields.insert(0, 'url', HyperlinkedIdentityField(view_name=self.opts.view_name))
+        
+        if not 'url' in self.base_fields:
+            self.base_fields.insert(0, 'url', HyperlinkedIdentityField(view_name=self.opts.view_name))
         
         super(HyperlinkedModelSerializer, self).__init__(*args, **kwargs)