Customers storm IndyMac Bank to withdraw money, get answers

The agency plans to cover all insured deposits and then sell IndyMac assets. Customers with deposits that aren't fully insured were told to file a claim with the FDIC so they can try to recover a share of any funds left over from the sale of those assets.

Some customers might also be eligible to recoup dollar-for-dollar beyond the $100,000 limit depending on how their accounts are structured, Barr said.

On Sunday, FDIC Chairman Sheila Bair sought to reassure IndyMac customers, saying customers with uninsured funds could still receive more money after the agency sells IndyMac's assets.

Still, many IndyMac customers who rushed to the bank's offices Monday were nervous about the prospect of losing a large portion of their savings.

"This is my life savings here. I feel really horrible," said James Sherman, an IndyMac customer with more than $100,000 in the bank.

Sherman was hoping to get 50 cents on the dollar above the federally insured limit, with the remainder of his money possibly being applied to his mortgage with IndyMac.

"What do you resort to now, putting money back in the mattress?" he asked.

FDIC officials could not immediately say how many customers had shown up to the bank's 33 branches to withdraw funds. All those offices are located in Southern California.

Tengeri said he was hopeful about getting the remainder of his life savings from the bank.

"I'm keeping my fingers crossed," he said. "I have full trust in the U.S. government. It may take a little time, but I'm not worried."