Yeah, spare car keys (chip keys) are a problem. I imagine they make them big so they're more difficult to lose. Last time I needed a spare chip key it cost me $300 (bloody highway robbery!).

I had a standard non-chip key made and broke off the fat plastic part. When I'm travelling, this goes in my wallet or other secure location. At least this gives me access to the vehicle for shelter/security, extended survival gear, listening to the radio for information, and charging my phone.

I wonder if the "chip" part could be cloned and carried separately like a security fob (but not stored in the vehicle for obvious reasons)? It's a good question to ask a locksmith.