Peace of Mind: Your Deposits Are Safe

It comes with knowing that every deposit account at UniBank is insured in full — no matter how much money you may have in the bank! In addition to Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) insurance, UniBank offers Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF) protection. At DIF member banks, the first $250,000* of non-retirement deposits and $250,000 of self-directed retirement deposits per depositor are insured by the FDIC. All deposits above these amounts are insured by the DIF. Along with our history of more than 135 years of banking in the Blackstone Valley, that's a level of comfort and security you just can't find anywhere else.

*On October 3, 2008, FDIC deposit insurance temporarily increased from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor through December 31, 2009. On May 26, 2009 this increase was extended through December 31, 2013.

Start your new UniBank savings plan today or add to your existing savings. You'll be glad you did!

Frequently Asked Questions

UniBank displays both the FDIC and DIF logos. What does membership in these organizations mean?
As a member of both the Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) and the Depositors Insurance Fund (DIF), UniBank provides full insurance for its customers’ deposits and accrued interest without limit or exception. The FDIC insures the first $250,000* of non-retirement deposits and $250,000 of self-directed retirement deposits per depositor are insured by the FDIC. All deposit amounts above the FDIC limits are insured in full by the Depositors Insurance Fund.

Are all types of deposit accounts fully insured in a bank providing both FDIC and DIF insurance?
Yes. All types and classes of deposit accounts are covered, including savings accounts, checking and NOW accounts, certificates of deposit (CDs), money market deposit accounts, and retirement deposit accounts.

The FDIC increased coverage of “self-directed retirement account” deposits from $100,000 to $250,000 per depositor. Does the higher FDIC insurance limit affect DIF insurance of these accounts?
Self-directed retirement account deposits include traditional and Roth Individual Retirement Accounts (IRAs), Simplified Employee Pension Accounts (SEP IRAs), Section 457 deferred compensation plan accounts, self-directed Keogh plan accounts, and self-directed defined contribution plan accounts.

All deposits, including self-directed retirement accounts and all other types of deposit accounts, continue to be fully insured in DIF member banks. DIF insurance picks up where FDIC coverage leaves off.

I am a depositor at an out-of-state branch of a DIF member bank. Are my deposits covered by DIF insurance?
Yes. Several DIF member banks have branches in neighboring states. As a depositor in a DIF member bank, your deposits are fully insured. DIF coverage is not affected by where a depositor resides or where a member bank branch is located.

Are there any forms, applications, or special account titles required to receive full deposit insurance?
No. There are no forms, applications, or special account title requirements. Full deposit insurance protection works simply. You automatically receive this added insurance benefit when you make any deposit at a DIF member bank, such as UniBank.

Does the DIF insure investments in bank mutual funds or annuities?
No. Both the FDIC and the DIF insure only bank deposits, and do not insure bank mutual funds or annuity products.

How do I know if my bank provides DIF insurance coverage?
Most member banks display DIF signs on doors and at teller stations, and note their membership in advertisements and marketing brochures. Look for “Member FDIC / Member DIF”. If you are not sure, ask a customer service representative.

How financially strong is the DIF?
No depositor has ever lost a penny in a bank insured by both the FDIC and the DIF.

The DIF has over $300 million in assets, plus an additional $100 million of reinsurance. During the recession of the early 1990s, the worst financial period in the history of the Massachusetts savings bank industry, the DIF paid out more than $50 million to protect over 6,500 depositors in 19 failed member banks. Yet the DIF emerged from this period financially stronger than before the recession began.

Is the DIF a federal or state agency?
No. The DIF is a private, industry-sponsored insurance company and is not backed by the federal government or the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

How are the assets of the DIF invested?
Massachusetts law and the DIF’s investment policies restrict the DIF to investments suitable for an organization that insures the public’s deposits, primarily U.S. Treasury and federal agency obligations. DIF investments are regularly reviewed by its Board of Directors to assure conformity with both the law and DIF investment policies.

Does the DIF monitor the financial condition of its member banks?
The DIF receives financial reports from its member banks on a quarterly basis. In addition, formal examinations are conducted regularly by the FDIC and the Massachusetts Division of Banks. The DIF meets regularly with officials of both agencies to review and evaluate the condition of its member banks.

Is the DIF subject to any form of regulatory scrutiny?
Yes. The DIF is examined annually by the Massachusetts Division of Banks and audited by an independent auditor.